Rotary success stories - New Zealand and SW Pacific

HISTORIC ROTARY EVENT IN NEW ZEALAND

2012-03-04T16:21:00.001-08:00

The second South Pacific Presidents Elect Training Seminar at Waipuna Conference Centre in Auckland was the scene on Saturday evening of a momentous piece of New Zealand Rotary history.

Senior Rotarians present were the Chair of the Rotary Foundation, Past RI President Bill Boyd, Past RI Vice President Tom Thorfinnson, and RI Director Stuart Heal.

The surprise event of the evening was the presentation by Bill Boyd, on behalf of RI President Kaylan Banerjee, of the most significant award made by Rotary International,

THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL AWARD OF HONOR

to the Rt. Hon. Sir Anand Satyanand GNZM, QSO, KStJ

immediate past Governor General of New Zealand, and member of the Rotary Club of Wellington, who was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the conference dinner.

The Rotary Award of Honor was established in 1996 as a way to recognize world leaders for their accomplishments in areas that are consistent with Rotary’s areas of service in the world. Up to five awards can be made annually by the RI President of this award which was introduced 25 years ago, with Sir Anand becoming the 61st recipient, and the first from New Zealand. The award consists of a citation, spectacular medallion and distinctive lapel pin. (See attached pix). Sir Anand was the only recipient in 2011.

Previous international recipients of this award demonstrate the importance of this honour conferred on Sir Anand, and by association Rotary in New Zealand and the Pacific.

Fitness activities support telethon

2012-02-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

Club members readu to GO

On 3 December 2011, the Rotary Club of Taravao Tahiti-Iti supported the Telethon by raising 245 054 FCP. All club members supported two events involving many in the community:

Morning: Relay races between different commercial centres of Taravao
Afternoon: a fitness and Tamure Marathon in the les jardins de la marie (gardens of City Hall).

Recognition for Rotary in Christchurch

2012-02-23T11:27:00.002-08:00

The Royal Humane Society Presented a gold medal to the citizens of Christchurch for their acts following the earthquakes.

The recognitions to the 140 organisations of which Rotary District 9970 and Rotary International were presented by Mayor Bob Parker on behalf of the Christchurch City Council

The inscription on the plaque reads as follows.

In recognition of service to Christchurch in the Earthquakes 2010-2011. Presented to Rotary District 9970 and Rotary International in recognition of acts of kindness, service and heroism during and following the Christchurch Earthquakes.

Presented by Mayor Bob Parker.

The recognition goes to the Rotarians and Rotary Clubs in D9970, to Rotary International, and the many clubs and districts in New Zealand and overseas that supported the the appeal.

We in D9970 acknowledge the generosity of Rotarians,non Rotarians,Rotary Clubs and Districts in New Zealand and overseas and thank them for their kindness and support.

Club Vision getting good buy-in from Clubs

2012-02-22T15:09:00.002-08:00

Club Vision facilitation, helping clubs assess where they want to be 5 years from now is receiving a good response in our District. So far 18 clubs have held Vision workshops with a team of facilitators – Stratford, Tawa, Wanganui, Feilding, Petone, Stokes Valley, Awapuni, Wellington, Wellington Central, Porirua Sundown, Eastern Hutt, Carterton, Taihape, Levin, Otaki, Fitzroy, Karori and Plimmerton clubs. Another 12 clubs are lining up for Vision workshops at this stage.

The Vision programme helps clubs identify what is needed for effectiveness and growth and to achieve this through consensus, consistency and continuity. The programme is now well established in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

We have a team of 23 trained facilitators to work with clubs in our District. It is a great time to go forward in Rotary and Club Vision which looks at club attributes, meetings, service outputs, fund raising, supporting the Rotary Foundation and Rotary Public Image is a key tool to help future strategic direction.

Please contact me to discuss your needs further and put your club onto a greater achievement path.

PDG David Watt,

District 9940 Club Vision Coordinator.

dwatt@xtra.co.nz

Ph 04 476 2236, Mob 027 2466 339

Christchurch Earthquake Anniversary

2012-02-20T13:20:00.001-08:00

For an overview of Rotary projects over the last year that have supported those in need following the earthquake on 22 February 2011 go to: www.rotarysouthpacific.org

Rotary is social

2012-02-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

One very pleasurable aspect of Rotary is the very active social side, with many groups within Rotary getting together regularly. In most cases, these are members of Rotary clubs getting together, but there are other groups that also gather.

One recent example is the Rotary District 9920 Past District Governors and partners' BBQ just held on a PDG's rural property amidst a magnificent garden on a brilliant sunny day.

This annual event hosted by the current Governor is an opportunity to catch up with friends and to receive an update on Rotary in the district, plus a "heads up" on future plans for Rotary affecting the District and the rest of the Rotary world in the near future.

RYLA participants suggest projects for Christchurch youth

2012-02-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

At the Christchurch Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp in January 2012 the participant syndicates were challenged to come up with projects that would benefit the youth of Christchurch, particularly something with an earthquake recovery theme. Use the following link to read the February Rotary Earthquake Receovery Support Newsletter to find out what they came up with:

http://www.rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/earthquake-recovery-support-project.html

Are you Rotary fit?

2012-02-09T23:51:00.000-08:00

If you are a Rotarian, are you Rotary fit?

What does that mean? It may mean that you have enough of an understanding of Rotary to not only participate in a meaningful way within your club, but also to make your membership meaningful to you. There are plenty of ways to gain this understanding. First of course is to be active in your club, taking part in its activities on a regular basis and not being willing to let someone else carry the load. Other ways to learn more about Rotary are: going along to Rotary district training - even brand new Rotarians are always welcomed when they want to discover the big picture of Rotary opportunities; participate in a Rotary Leadership Institute course, which after all is the Rotarian development forum; or simply browse your Rotary Down Under magazine each month - you will be amazed how much you actually pick up from each issue that is of use.

Or maybe being Rotary fit is taking part in some of the many walkways developed by Rotary clubs over time that are valued assets in their communities. The Rotary walkway along the Tamaki River in Auckland comes to mind. This was a partnership project of the Rotary Club of Pakuranga with Manukau City Council and others, and this walkway meanders along several scenic kilometres. In the Napier-Hastings area there are tens of kilometres of walking and cycling pathways developed by Rotary. And in the deep south near Cromwell there is a 45 minute walk along the 45th parallel that has spectacular views of Lake Dunston, the Cromwell Basin and the surrounding snow capped mountains. It would be hard to not find something similar in virtually every community throughout New Zealand, and more are being developed. All of these are free, so just do it!

Then there are organised activities run by Rotary clubs that get you and your family out into our varied and usually spectacular countryside. The Blog Post just before this one has an example, but what about the Rotary Club of Waiuku's Sunset Coast Walk held annually at the end of February? This popular easy walk crosses farmlands along a stunning coastline that is enjoyed by single walkers, couples plus family and other groups. The Rotary Club of Warkworth is another example with a guided walk in March each year combining Mount Tamahunga, Pakiri Beach and walks on private land on Kawau Island, so this walk provides challenge, variety and a wonderful unspoiled location. As a third example, the Rotary Club of Milton organises guided walks of many of the great walks of New Zealand. Get your boots on!

Rotary fit may mean taking part in some Rotary outside your club or even your country. Rotarians are of course able to visit any Rotary club throughout the world as they travel. The many Rotary recreational 'fellowships' offer amazing opportunities to meet people and see the sights. We enjoyed memorable sailing on the sparkling waters of French Polynesia, then swimming and sipping French champagne while drifting in a lagoon, thanks to the hospitality of the French Polynesian Fleet of the International Fellowship of Yachting Rotarians. There are also Fleets in the Bay of Islands, Auckland and Lake Taupo, plus many other locations all around the world. Oh, you don't sail, you play golf ... then join the Golfing Fellowship to of course play the courses of the world. Or you can join the Cricketing, Flying, Motorcycling or Caravanning Fellowships.

Why not get Rotary fit today and have a great time? A healthy lifestyle demands it.

Rotary 4WD - out 'n about in some rugged scenery

2012-02-09T23:17:00.000-08:00

Some 22 vehicles took part in the 18th Annual Rotary 4WD trip on 8 January. The Route took participants up through North-burn Station to the top of the Dunstans, then along the ridge and down to Thomson’s Gorge for lunch. After lunch it was back onto the tops of the Dunstans and then down a long spur to Logantown and Bendigo. There was a stop at Logantown and a talk on the gold workings by Donald Young. The event concluded with a beer and a barbeque at Bendigo Station.

Thanks are due to Murray Dennison and Bill Wilson, route masters and guides, Donald Young, Peter Jackson for coordinating the BBQ and to the landowners of Northburn and Bendigo for access to their land and tracks.

Thanks to the Cromwell Rotary Club Bulletin for this news.

RDU goes Mobile

2012-02-06T19:44:00.000-08:00

Now available for viewing on your Mobile Phones and Tablets is the Rotary Down Under magazine. Using your mobile phone or tablet, simply go to www.m.rotarydownunder.com.au and Bookmark (save page) for easy access to the current magazine.

Leaders get out of the fox hole first, flying the flag ...

2012-02-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Christchurch International Airport Ltd CEO Jim Boult’s address to Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Christchurch, January 2012

… Leadership is about setting example and communicating. It’s about demonstrating to your team that you are the person who is prepared to get out of the fox hole first, flying the flag and encouraging others to follow you. It’s about having courage to make tough decisions which won’t always be popular - and to do what’s needed to see them through.

It’s about relating to other people, no matter what their status. It’s about sharing successes on an equal basis with everyone in the team.

And it’s about humility … in good times and in bad, including the times of facing failures with the team, accepting responsibility, learning and moving on.

Leaders are people in whom others put their trust and confidence, from whom they get their vision and professional purpose. These are also qualities which earn respect and give some degree of comfort in difficult times.

People in leadership positions, as well as every other person prepared to show personal leadership, will have to fully commit to what’s required. The challenge is to focus on what’s needed, rather than what’s wanted.

Successful leaders have the happy knack of engaging others, which means they demonstrate what they expect. They don’t talk - they do; they shine the light on the good and the not-so-good. They know when it’s time to be in the trenches with the team and standing on top giving orders.

Successful leaders depend on the people around them. It’s important to be modest so others feel they can speak up when you’re around. And when they do, listen carefully and let them see you are doing that.

It’s OK to disagree – in fact it’s healthy and often it’s when some really good ideas and plans take shape. No leader has all the answers – that’s way too much pressure!

So go well on the next leg of your journey … be proud of who you are and all you have achieved to date. Believe in yourself. Look after yourself – and your family and friends. Show people what you stand for - display personal leadership at all times and professional leadership when you get the chance.

Watch and learn from people you aspire to be like or work with. Leaders learn from both success and failure – sometimes learning from success presents bigger challenges.

Above all, be the best you can be. That’s leadership.

You are young leaders – I invite you to grow into older leaders.

Fiji Floods - for updates go to www.fijifloods2012.rotarysouthpacific.org

2012-02-02T19:24:00.001-08:00

Please visit www.fijifloods2012.rotarysouthpacific.org and / or www.rnzwcs.org

Regional Rotary Magazines for February now out

2012-01-31T19:55:00.000-08:00

Both On-line at www.rotarydownunder.org

Dear Rotary friends,

NEWS FLASH! Rotary Down Under is now mobile via a new streaming service onto smart phones and tablets (any mobile device) which is yet another example of the onward push for the digital provision of Rotary information and publicity by RDU, and its determination to provide membership with best possible technology at all times! And you won’t need a microscope! Check it out here. For more information contact Editor Mark Wallace

As such Rotary Down Under is now a total news service … monthly magazine on line, regular newsletter updates, facebook, twitter, club resources (such as Rotarians doing business, speakers corner and events bookings etc), Rotarian surveys and polling, public relations/public image development etc. In fact, RDU is now a real ‘one stop shop’ for Rotarians!

Rotarians throughout the Region will soon receive their personal February 2012 issues of Rotary Down Under AND Rotarian Life & Leisure magazines. Our RDU Newsletter at http://www.rdunewsletter.rotarysouthpacific.org/ highlights articles from and featuring NZ and the SW Pacific.

More success stories and photos are needed for our magazines. In particular, we are very keen to receive articles describing:

1. What Rotarians are doing in the community beyond Rotary

2. Exciting travel stories

3. Inspirational Rotary and business leaders’ contributions about winning leadership and success in business

4. Projects in Rotary International’s strategic direction and areas of focus:

a. Basic Education and Literacy - Disease Prevention and Treatment

b. Economic and Community Development

c. Water and Sanitation

d. Maternal and Child Health and

e. Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution

5. Partnerships on overseas projects

Tell us what made your projects and events the successes that they were, so that others can learn through RDU about how to succeed from your experiences.

Please keep sending all articles about new unique projects, and extremely successful on-going events, with separately attached high resolution photos including captions, to berylrobinson@rotarydownunder.co.nz. Full details on how to submit are at www.rdu.rotarysouthpacific.org

Your on-going support is greatly appreciated.

Kindest regards,

Beryl

Beryl Robinson

Past District Governor of Rotary International District 9920 Inc

Editorial and Promotions Manager

Rotary Down Under New Zealand and Pacific Islands Editorial Office

www.rdu.rotarysouthpacific..org and www.rotarydownunder.org

www.rotarystories-nzandpacific.blogspot.com

For a list of who receives these monthly RDU Newsletters direct please go to www.rdunewsletter.rotarysouthpacific.org

Food shortage is a major issue in Fiji in the wake of this week’s floods

2012-01-26T20:12:00.001-08:00

Food shortage is a major issue in Fiji in the wake of this week’s floods as authorities count the cost of the disaster. Rotary throughout New Zealand is coordinating a nation-wide relief campaign. District Governor 9920 Alan Eyes said “Fiji Rotary clubs have already donated $6000 for food parcels which are being sourced and distributed to those in need in the west.” DG Alan praised the Rotarian team in Fiji, led by relief coordinator Bob Niranjan, in the wake of the flooding which killed at least six people.

President Rick Eyre and club members of Lautoka Rotary, and President Sanjit Patel of the Rotary Club of Nadi were working in the Nadi area and the West to identify needs and to assist.

To quote DG Alan; “The feeling is now that the rain has eased the problems are being identified and the real assistance is required. Forty emergency response kits have been distributed and there will be many more in the coming days.”

“Food is a major issue. Fiji Rotary clubs have already donated $6000 for food parcels which are being sourced and distributed to those in need in the west.

Food packs

The Suva clubs are actively involved, with the Rotary clubs of Suva contributing 250 pieces of clothing going tomorrow, and 100 food packs despatched this morning – both for distribution by the Lautoka club.

By way of example, the food packs provided by the Rotary Club of Lautoka to the Andrews School Evacuation Centre where there were 86 families included: 4kg flour, 2 kg rice, 2kg sugar, 2kg potatoes, 1kg onions, 2 pkts breakfast crackers, 2 tins of fish, 1 pkt tea leaves, cooking oil, garlic, noodles. Value $35 each. Actual food pack contents do vary depending on the supply source.

Rotary Club of Nadi has been working with the Rama Krishna Mission in cooking and distributing food with more parcels planned in the coming days.

Rotary NZ World Community Services coordinator, Christchurch-based Stuart Batty, continued to liaise with NZ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and Rotary leaders in Fiji. Stuart plans to travel to Fiji on Sunday.

Urgent assistance is required and Rotary club and the public can support by sending donations to the Rotary New Zealand 2012 Fiji Flood Appeal:

Money is urgently needed. We invite all Rotarians to consider making a donation of $NZ40 to purchase a food parcel for a family.

• Rotary New Zealand World Community Service: www.rnzwcs.org where there is a PayPal credit card facility, or

• Internet banking telegraphic transfer to Westpac Banking Corporation, Wellington, NZ account number 03 1702 0192208 02 (international donors will also require Swift Code WPACNZ2W, IBAN Code 031702) for account name RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand), and include reference Fiji Flood , and/or donor name and club

• Cheque made payable to RNZWCS Limited posted to PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8543, New Zealand

Donations are tax deductible within NZ. More information at: www.rnzwcs,org

If the food parcel appeal is oversubscribed, then the surplus will be used to directly assist those in need and/or replenish the Emergency Response Kits.

Rotary in New Zealand also requests clubs to consider making a donation to replenish the Emergency Response Kits which are currently being distributed. A suggested figure is $600 per kit. www.rnzwcs,org provides more details.

Imagine you and your family living in this house ... but the floods
have washed through it and the silt has covered your garden and crops!

Fiji Floods Update - Rotary's response

2012-01-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

Fiji Floods UPDATE, evening 26 Jan 2012 from DG 9920 Alan Eyes

The west has experienced severe flooding, but talking tonight with Sanjit Patel, President of the Rotary Club of Nadi, he reports a sunny day to day with flood water receding.

Tragically there has been further loss of life.

Vanu Levu, with Savusavu and Labasa are still forecast to have more heavy rain.

The Rotarian team in Fiji, led by Bob Niranjan is co-ordinating Rotary efforts in Fiji. President Rick Eyre and club members of Lautoka Rotary, and President Sanjit Patel of Nadi Rotary, are working in the Nadi area and the West to identify needs and assist. The feeling is now that the rain has eased the problems are being identified and the real assistance is required. 40 Emergency Response kits have been distributed and there will be many more in the coming days [for more information about Emergency Response Kits go to www.rnzwcs.org.nz ]

Food is a major issue and a coordinated Fiji-wide Rotary effort is already underway. The Fiji Rotary clubs have already donated $6000 for food parcels which are being sourced and distributed to those in need in the west. The Suva clubs are actively involved, with the Rotary Clubs of Suva contributing 250 pieces of clothing going tomorrow, and 100 food packs despatched this morning, both for distribution by the Lautoka club.

Rotary Club of Nadi has been actively involved tonight working with the Rama Krishna Mission in cooking and distributing food with more parcels planned in the coming days.

Rotary NZ World Community Services coordinator, PDG Stuart Batty, is based in Christchurch and continues to liaise with MFAT and Rotary leaders in Fiji. He plans to travel to Fiji on Sunday.
The team is doing a great job helping others in need. The preplanning and placement of Emergency Response Kits in secure locations in Fiji is proving to be of great benefit - they are on the spot and being distributed as needed without delay.

My question to Bob has been, how can we in New Zealand and other parts of the Pacific help? It is likely this will be in the form of monetary donations to assist mainly with meeting a need for food which may go on for some time. The team is working on how his can best be done in a coordinated way and I will be talking to him further over the next 48 hours.

Club Presidents, you may recall me saying during our preparation for 2011/12 year that i was not intending to have requests go out for funding of district projects etc, but requested you allow for assistance that may be required in the event of a natural disaster. This looks like it will be that event and I will appreciate it if you can give thought as to how your club may be able assist, most likely by way of monetary contributions for food parcels and others necessities. I will be in touch in the coming days.

To those Rotarians in Fiji, I extend on behalf of D9920 our thanks for the work you are doing to assist those in need in your communities, and send our best wishes to you all.

Regards
Alan Eyes
District Governor
Rotary International District 9920.

A message for all Rotarians

2012-01-25T01:18:00.000-08:00

New Zealand Rotary has a reputation for excellent, effective coordinated public image activity that other countries are trying to emulate. The following is a continuation of this:

A message to all New Zealand Rotarians

(Please advise your members at meetings, in Bulletins or on web sites)

Rotary International has generously provided us in Zone 7b with a Public Relations Grant to assist in promoting Rotary in our community. A national committee representing each District has devised a publicity campaign over February/March. You are encouraged as a Club to supplement this campaign with your own local media activity. This can be paid advertising, generating public interest through special high-profile projects and events or through personal promotion by your members by inviting the community to your Club meetings.

This media campaign involves:

Ø Television 12 February – 30 March (TV3)

Ø Radio 19 February – 30 March (Newstalk ZB, Easy Listening, Hauraki and their other networked stations)

Ø Billboards 4 March – 6 May (Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin)

Ø Online Marketing 19 February – 25 March (TV3 online, NZ Herald, Stuff, Yahoo, Facebook, msn.co.nz)

We are fortunate to have Rotarians who are professional PR people and have donated their time and talents to come up with this extensive campaign. A substantial feature of this campaign is the additional ‘free’ media slots that will provided as the media houses continue to generously support Rotary.

What can your Club do to increase the impact of this campaign?

Ø Tell your Club members through your meetings, Bulletins and websites/Face Book pages of the dates.

Ø Promote the 0800 4 ROTARY phone number in your community – this will be referred to in the campaign

Ø Approach your own media outlets – giving them articles of interest and good photos

Ø Look at ways to create a special impact around 23 February – Rotary’s official ‘birthday’

Specific profile suggestions:

1. A number of New Zealand Clubs have already subscribed to is the Global Swimarathon – raising funds for Polio. This is a novel way to raise profile and funds for Polio – especially as the event in New Zealand will be on Sunday 26^th February at 1am!! For more details go to http://rotaryswimarathon.org/

2. Arranging a projected light display and project End Polio Now onto one of your local buildings – this is done annually world-wide

3. Have all Clubs in your District involved in an outdoor project or activity on the weekend of 25/26 February – why not have a community tidy-up (beach, roadside, local park)

4. Be creative and have fun serving the community in a public way

5. Purchase Polio pins through RDU as part of their Pin it for Polio campaign

6. Consult your own Club media people for ideas

This will all go a long way to further reinforce and support the national media campaign.

In your advertising you are encouraged to also use "Want to play a part?" as the call for action plus 0800 4 ROTARY and your Club name. Each week a spot list will be circulated which will include bonus spots, however ‘fillers’ or ‘charity spots’ will not be advised as these are at the channel's discretion.

For more details visit our Public Image Blog or the NZ Rotary web site.

We all have the privileged responsibility to market Rotary to those in our community. Remember - each individual Rotarian’s actions count.

Journey of Hope. What ever happened to ...

2012-01-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

Dear supporters of the Journey of Hope,

Exactly one year has passed since we (Xaver Hausner and Oliver Macindoe) finished our ride for PolioPlus the length of New Zealand and arrived in Bluff on 16 January 2011. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank you once more for the support you gave us either before we left or along the way, and to wish you success and happiness for the year ahead.

While on our 54-day-ride for PolioPlus we travelled 3,481 km, climbed 33,907 vertical metres, raised $NZ50,557 for PolioPlus, met with members of more than 35 Rotary clubs, spent 17 nights in our tent, took over 2,000 photos, blogged over 31,000 words, fixed 5 spokes and one puncture, caught 3 ferries, fell off the bikes 3 times and visited 2 doctors.

To the many people who donated to PolioPlus, who welcomed us into their homes for the night, who met us on the streets to ride with us or promote the cause, who gave us equipment (or fixed it), who gave us a beer at the end of the day or a plum at the end of a long hill; our trip wouldn’t have been possible without you and certainly wouldn’t have been half as rewarding. Thank you!

In the last year, Xaver has been back in his homeland of Germany preparing for his law exams this March and Ollie has been in Christchurch training to be a teacher. In October Ollie came to Germany and since then has been studying at the University of Freiburg. Ollie spent Christmas with Xaver’s family in Würzburg and it has been fantastic being able to catch up again. We have had a lot of fun reminiscing about the trip and looking over photos.

It would have been nice to be able to send a personalised email to all the people that supported us along the way but there are simply too many of you! This trip was very special to us; we had planned it since we were 17 and 18 years old. Something we couldn’t have planned for and something we couldn’t have expected, however, was just how special the people we met and corresponded with made it.

Yours gratefully, Ollie and Xaver

New Potatoes - $27,000 in less than a month including Christmas timeout!

2012-01-24T18:20:00.000-08:00

Generous sponsorship, thorough planning, expert management, and ideal growing conditions has given the Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains a record yield from its annual Christmas “New Potato” Marketing Project.

Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Projects Director Past President Ken Leadley (left) and President Ray Mayne (right) with the last dig of new potatoes.Photo credit: Ashburton Guardian Newspaper

For nigh on 20 years, the club Projects Committee has honed its skill in harnessing the generous opportunities of land, seed, and fertiliser, donated by individuals and commercial enterprise to produce sought after gourmet spuds for Christmas tables. Planted in late September, optimum product comes to the consumer in the days before Christmas. This season, thanks to extraordinary conditions, paddock production has been the biggest ever, with 2884 4kg bags coming on stream and sold between December 14 and January 9.

Community expectation for the club’s high quality product now dictates that fresh potatoes are dug almost every day leading into the festive season through a series of short duration, pick, weigh, pack, marketing forays undertaken by the club membership. In a now well established and mutually valuable relationship with the Ashburton Rowing Club, rowers (often on short notice call out) are shoulder to shoulder with Rotarians picking spuds as older Rotarians weigh, bag and pack the product. Orders or sales are canvassed from the town’s business fraternity and their staff, as too are restaurateurs and home makers. In a new departure this year, a “Hawkers” License permitting street side selling assisted in the disposal of the additional volume grown.

This season 164 bags were donated to local food bank agencies, the “lonely’s” annual community Christmas dinner, age concern dinner, and as a thank you gift to some loyal business people who support “Plains” Rotary firewood, potato, and pea straw projects with donated plant, goods or services.

Ten dollars is not a lot today, but times 2700 bags makes for a situations where cash is king. For their efforts, Ashburton Rowing Club is each year, the first beneficiary of money raised. While the Rotary club does not have a pre-planned agenda for the capital fund, local, national and global initiatives and sponsorship becomes the focus of fund distribution or aide. $10,000 to the local Plunket Association, $4,000 to Samoa in a joint medical aide equipment shipment by the “Plains” and Ashburton Clubs, $3,000 performance based Tertiary Scholarship Grant, $1,000 per annum school uniform award to two selected “have-not” students , Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Spirit of Adventure scholarships, and Pride of Workmanship Awards.

Already in this fiscal year over $28,000 of disbursements has overtaken the spud harvest achievement. Plus as most clubs do, PolioPlus, ShelterBox, Emergency Boxes (x2), The Rotary Foundation, and other humanitarian aid projects will receive annual support from the firewood and pea straw sales projects as the year advances.

Submitted by: Past President / PHF Ken Leadley

7th TAHITI–MOOREA SWIM

2012-01-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

26 November 2011 ROTARY CLUB OF PAPEETE-TAHITI, DISTRICT 9920

14 swimmers and 18 kms for a great cause;

almost $NZ29,000 /$AU22,000 raised to

fight diabetes and obesity plus for medical research

For the 7^th year, the Rotary Club of Papeete-Tahiti, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Moorea, organized its great challenge in order to raise money for their diabesity programme which fights diabetes and obesity.

The multiple goals of this project are to:

increase the awareness to the diabesity programme
raise money, thanks to generous sponsors who offer money and involve their staff in the swim
and reinforce the PR image of Rotary by showing a dynamic sporting image of Rotary and Rotarians.

Last year and for the next two years, half of the money raised will be donated to medical research for diabetes in Polynesia.

It is neither a competition, nor a race. It is a challenge to swim 18 km in the deep blue between the two islands.

We were again lucky to have excellent media cover; two TV reports on the news, newspaper excerpts and two radio programmes about this incredible swim which has been done annually since 2004.

Participants could either swim in relay or do the complete swim on 26 November 2011. Four opted to do the complete swim, and ten swimmers chose the relay. The security fleet of 12 boats included the fire brigade, gendarmerie, professional divers, life guards, a doctor and nurses.

The weather conditions were very bad and some swimmers were seasick! The swim started at 5.30am from the marina, and it lasted five and half hours. At the arrival into the Moorea lagoon, all of the swimmers were back in the water, so that all could swim together to the shore, accompanied by two traditional Polynesian outriggers.

There was a colourful welcome ceremony with flowers, champagne, local fruit, and a lunch for swimmers with the organisers and Rotarians.

It’s a beautiful swim, despite the physical challenge of very bad weather conditions and the rough sea, that thankfully did not result in any unwanted encounters (such as sharks or jelly fish).

On 12 December there was a cocktail party for swimmers, partners, sponsors and the media.

It was a great way to thank and recognize everyone for their commitment to this sporting Rotary challenge.

This was another opportunity to push our own limits while we swam and raised a great deal of money for a worthy cause and achieved huge media coverage about Rotary in action.

Submitted by: Cathy Gourbault-Lawrence, Co-Project Director 7^th Tahiti-Moorea Swim

"Seeing" made easier

2012-01-19T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Rotary Club of Suva along with the South Port School, Australia brought smiles to many at the Fiji Society for the Blind with a donation of five Braille machines, 15 walking canes plus a cheque for then to purchase additional needs.

One hospital and one bathtub - times are changing thanks to this club.

2012-01-06T19:54:00.000-08:00

What progress ... the water is HOT
Tania DeHoon (Project Head) with
Tiko Saumalua (Subdivisional Medical Officer-Cakaudrove-center)

With 48 beds, the local (government funded) hospital at Savusavu, Fiji consists of five wards – Men’s, Women’s, Obstetrics, Children’s, and Private* (for Pay). Prior to the installation by the Rotary Club of Savusavu (District 9920) of a new solar water heater, the only hot water fixture in the hospital was one bathtub in the Women’s ward! This is why, when they discovered it, they chose to make it a priority project and this has now been completed. The club is continuing to upgrade the hospital’s plumbing fixtures.

*Savusavu Hospital’s Private Ward was established by The Rotary Club of Savusavu in December 1999

The club also decorated the five wards for Christmas, adding much appreciated Christmas Cheer for the patients and staff.

As one Rotarian leaves Government House, another arrives

2011-12-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

Sir Anand Satyanand

While New Zealand’s Governor-General changed in August 2011, one thing remained a constant—both were members of the same Rotary club.

The Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand completed his five year term as Governor-General of New Zealand on 23 August 2011 and on 31 August his successor, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, was sworn in as New Zealand’s 20^th Governor-General. Sir Jerry is a former Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force and Chief of the New Zealand Army.

Both had been long-time members of the District 9940 Rotary Club of Wellington, and indeed Sir Anand was President Elect when he was appointed as Governor-General in 2006. Sir Anand came to the role of Governor-General, having previously served as a lawyer, judge and ombudsman.

In his farewell speech at a state luncheon at Parliament, Sir Anand spoke of the many of highlights he and Lady Susan shared while representing the Queen of New Zealand.

“Our most abiding memories will not be of places, but of the people of New Zealand, and their positive spirit and determination. In schools, businesses, marae, awards ceremonies and festivals, we have met, talked to and shared experiences with many New Zealanders and many communities, and have enjoyed time and again the many qualities that make our country and its people special – good-hearted concern for others, practical can-do attitudes, very often accompanied by good humour.

“The collective strength of New Zealanders has been amply illustrated in the aftermath of the disasters and tragedies in Canterbury and Christchurch and at Pike River, and the loss of several lives in the New Zealand Defence Force. “

Sir Anand said serving as Governor-General gave him the opportunity to recognise the contributions that New Zealanders make.

“Investing the first Victoria Cross for New Zealand and Anzac of the Year are examples of military contributions, and over the past five years we have been privileged to celebrate more than 2000 investitures to say "thank you" to people who have given outstanding service to the nation or to humanity– whether through voluntary community work or for professional and business contributions.”

Sir Anand said he and Lady Susan had also had the privilege, at the request of the Government, to represent New Zealanders’ interests abroad.

“In this capacity we have visited Singapore, Timor Lesté, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, and further afield Mongolia, India and Canada. In each of those three countries we made the first visit by a New Zealand Governor-General. We also had the wonderful opportunity of supporting New Zealand competitors in the Olympics at Beijing and the Commonwealth Games at New Delhi.”

Sir Anand said visiting India was special for many reasons. “To return as representative of the Head of State to the land which my grandparents had left more than a century ago was personally meaningful, but I think we can all reflect on the fact that New Zealand is a nation where anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve if they are prepared to work and contribute. “

Sir Anand said the closure of Government House in Wellington in late 2008 provided an unparalleled opportunity to connect with people in many regions.

“We held investiture ceremonies in a variety of places from Christchurch and Dunedin through to a notable event in the public bar of the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell. At the end of the 30 month Conservation Project, we believe that the refurbished and strengthened House is a national treasure, and that everyone involved in the project can take pride in a job well done.”

In addition to thanking the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the staff at Government House, Sir Anand paid special tribute to Lady Susan’s contribution.

“When we decided to take on this role, we agreed we would do it together; wherever possible we have done just that. Susan has however, been much more than a congenial supporter. I have constantly relied on her advice and feedback. She has also actively extended the Governor-General’s role by promoting three themes: children, initiatives to enhance the environment, and volunteering. “

Sir Jerry Mateparae

- By Antony Paltridge, Public Affairs Manager, Government House

Ducks ... on your marks, get set ... GO!

2011-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Willowridge Wanakafest is an annual 3 day cultural festival, set in the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka New Zealand.

The festival attracts a large number of visitors as well as bringing together the local townsfolk. One of the major activities at the festival is the "Rotary Duck Race" which was first launched in 2010; This year the Rotary Club of Wanaka expanded the event to include sections for both individual and corporate purchase. The duck race is the first event early in the morning on day 3 of the festival programme. This year, a large crowd of excited children and parents gathered to watch the race in perfect weather.

The spectators were lined up along Bullock Creek, a fast flowing stream which runs through the town. The finish line was set where the stream flows into Lake Wanaka and where the local Wanaka Rotary Club members were stationed to judge the winners and collect the ducks.

A major effort by club members to sell the ducks in the 2 weeks prior to the festival resulted in the club meeting its target of raising over $8,000. After 10% of the proceeds were returned to the Wanakafest organisation to help towards their 2012 programme, the balance was set aside for Rotary community projects.

The annual Wanaka Rotary Club "Duck Race" not only serves to raise the profile of the Wanaka Rotary Club in the local community, but has also established itself as a successful and valuable fund raising activity for years to come. (extracted from the December 2011 District 9980 Newsletter)Contributed by Kerry Suckling

Kaikohe Rotary Runs Traverse

2011-12-06T15:29:00.000-08:00

The newly opened Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail was the route for another first for the Rotary Club of Kaikohe. They organised a fun run and walk for the people of Northland in late October. A first because this trail, one of the first commissioned under Prime Minister John Key’s nationwide initiative has only recently opened the first stage of a beautiful, cultural and historic journey from the Bay of Islands on the east coast to the Hokianga harbour on the west. It is based on the original rail route from Opua to Okaihau and also follows many of the tracks used by the Maori in their journeys from coast to coast.

A small and enthusiastic crowd set off to run or walk 13.4 kilometres from Okaihau to Kaikohe and a second group tackled a shorter course of 8.4 kilometres starting part way along the route. Named the Okaihau Kaikohe Traverse, this was a real community effort involving the business associations of Okaihau and Kaikohe with spot prizes donated by generous businesses and individuals of the area. The contestants passed along the scenic trail which gradually climbs to a peak near Kaikohe before passing through the original rail tunnel and descending to the township. A short passage along State Highway 12 led to the finish at Mid North Motor Inn where runners and walkers could relax with a cup of coffee and barbeque fare while waiting for the prizegiving at midday.

There' off - start of the Traverse

Far North District Council, the developers of the Cycle Trail were very supportive and Cycle Trail Coordinator and Rotarian Adrienne Tari provided much appreciated assistance and guidance. Club President Frank Duxfield plans to make this an annual event that can grow as the Cycle Trail grows to its Coast to Coast completion. That is, grow in numbers and also in the distances that can be run or walked. The next addition would be a Half Marathon as soon as the Trail is long enough. The objectives set by Kaikohe Rotary were to create a healthy fun event at a low cost that promoted the Cycle Trail and the region. The Club feels quietly satisfied with this first event but is already planning to do it even better next year. More details can be found at www.kaikoherotary.org .

Rotary Down Under magazine for December 2011

2011-12-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

Rotary helps restore emergency services

2011-12-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

An international fundraising drive has replenished emergency resources that were exhausted after the Canterbury earthquakes.

Rotary presented Christchurch’s St John Ambulance with $70,000 on Saturday with contributions coming from Rotary clubs around the country and the world.

Lindsay Crossen, Rotary co-ordinator for the fundraising project, said the money would help St John replace medical equipment, personnel equipment, mass casualty incident equipment, medical kits, welfare boxes (to support staff in emergency) and first response packs.

‘‘Christchurch and Canterbury requires the full mobilisation of St John whenever disaster strikes. During the earthquakes, St John consumed a lot of their basic emergency resources to the extent that their capability to respond to another similar event to 22 February in the near future will be a challenge.

‘‘After being used in an emergency, many resources are damaged or consumed to the extent that they are no longer reliable or usable for first response emergency.’’

Rotary district governor David Drake said it celebrated the links between Christchurch and Japan and their recent shared earthquake experiences with President-elect of Rotary International, Sakuji Tanaka from Japan, presenting the cheque.

‘‘Mr Tanaka wanted to come to Christchurch to personally present the cheque.

‘‘The links between New Zealand and Japan have been strengthened this year and Mr Tanaka’s visit is recognition of that.’’

Also Mr Drake explained that The Rotary Foundation and Rotary District 3780 in Quezon City, Philippines, were the international connections who provided a substantial part of project funding.

South Island St John general manager David Thomas thanked Rotary for its dedication and fundraising.

‘‘St John is a charity that relies on the generosity of the community, and community organisations like Rotary, to help us with our caring activities. The costs and impact of the earthquakes have been great on us, so the support of the members of Rotary is vital. They have dug deep to support us and have also reached out internationally.’’

Tanaka’s visit to St John was an honour, he said.

‘‘The people of Japan know only too well the trauma and destruction of earthquakes. St John is deeply honoured to have Mr Tanaka visiting us in Christchurch.’’

Fork 'n Spoon Complete the $10 Queenstown Challenge

2011-12-04T00:23:00.000-08:00

There were three Rotary teams in the Cure Kids $10 Queenstown Challenge just completed.

One of these was Grant and Sarah Smith from the Rotary Club of Albany in District 9910 (they had just returned also from the Future Leaders Seminar in Brisbane and the Rotary Institute so well done on both counts). Here is their email:

Hi everyone, Well we made it!

What an awesome adventure. Three days to get from Queenstown to Auckland in fancy dress with just 10 dollars.

Personally for us it was a real challenge which took us way outside our comfort zone. Hitching for a ride can be very demoralising as you watch the other competitors go by and wave, and you stand there for more than 30 minutes waiting for a ride. And then it starts to rain! And you are totally reliant on other people for their generosity and support.

We got on Breakfast TV on TV1 on Friday morning, and raised another $1000 with a sausage sizzle in Wellington CBD in just 1 hour.

Lots of physical and mental challenges were also included, as we had a number of challenges to complete on the way. There were gum boot wearing races in Taihape with eggs in your gum boots, Luging challenge in Queenstown having to carry water in a glass as you go up in the chair lift and down on the luge without spilling any water. We had to defrost a frozen T shirt in Hunterville and then wear it, and then carry out communication challenges while blindfolded.

Thank you so much for your support, which will make a real difference to the children of New Zealand. Pictures of the event attached, and there is more info and pictures at www.curekids.org.nz. We personally raised more than $17,000, (second largest amount overall) and the whole $10 Challenge event raised more than $153,000 for Cure Kids. For Sarah and I this was an amazing achievement, and to meet so many incredible people along the journey was very rewarding. Highlight for us was getting a ride in a big rig Volvo truck of NZ Couriers out of Taihape. We met Dave and told him all about Cure Kids, and he then went on to pick up 2 more teams on the way to Taupo, and has now raised a whole lot of money for the charity and wants to do the event next year.

The final challenge was to play as a Samba band together as we crossed the finish line which was awesome. Bit rough to start but by then we were sounding good. There were taste and smell challenges in a winery just outside Queenstown, a 10km run through a mountain bike park in Rotorua, and then finally we had to move 1 cubic meter of mulch by hand in onion sacks in Bombay to get our final points.

Future Leaders Seminar a First

2011-12-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

Supported by RI Director Stuart Heal possibly the first such seminar held in association with a Rotary Insititute was held recently on the Thursday immediately prior to the start of the Brisbane Institute. 163 (including 16 from NZ districts) registrants from 23 of the 28 districts in the region took part in a vibrant and very productive day. Some participants had not been in Rotary long with some Rotaractors plus new Rotary members in their early 20's. Organiser PDG Cathy Roth said that "overwhelmingly participants showed and said they were ready and willing to take an active role in Rotary and their community."

The day long seminar covered a wide range of topics including the future of good leadership and leadership opportunities, leadership styles, Rotary Foundation, public relations, membership, social media and much more. Included were breakout sessions on a variety of topics from which participants got networking opportunities, ideas and suggestions to take away with them for later use. Topics included membership, communications, marketing and PR, RI beyond the district, service projects, Rotary Foundation and more. NZ participation in the event organisation, presentations and facilitating the breakouts was high.

Participant feedback will assist the Future Leaders Seminars already agreed for the Rotary Institutes next to be held (this time separately) in Invercargill and Adelaide in 2012. For the Invercargill seminar, Cathy and PDG Beryl Robinson (who was also on the organising committee for Brisbane Future Leaders) will organise. Comments included:

A brilliant concept. I hope it continues
Networking opportunities - brilliant
Could be two days
Fewer breakouts of longer duration in smaller groups - otherwise excellent!

Attending the Seminar enabled the participants to also attend the Institute itself as observers and most did so. On the Thursday night there was a combined clubs Rotary meeting (about 400 attending), on the Friday night was a 'reunion dinner' where the Seminar participants went out for dinner on Brisbane River aboard the Lady Brisbane and then Friday to Sunday at the Institute itself.

Some of the NZ Future Leaders contingent
at the Saturday night Gala 'BrisVegas' Dinner

In his closing address to the Institute, RI Director Stuart said to the Future Leaders, "To the Future Leaders, you can no longer call yourselves 'future leaders' - you are the leaders in Rotary ... go for it!"

Rotary Sunrise Rockers Rock Brisbane Institute and Jonathon added the Magic

2011-12-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

Brisbane Insitute was a Rotary Institute for the districts of New Zealand and Australia that happened to be in Brisbane ... Where Else!

As the New Zealand representative on the Institute Committee, PDG Beryl Robinson said, "There was a determination by the committee to make sure both sides of the"Ditch" were involved and seen to be involved and that certainly happened!"

The band has it all - music and a challenge!

In front of almost 700 Rotarians, partners and Rotaractors, the Sunrise Rockers from the Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise added not just a unique New Zealand element to Institute but also set the tone at the beginning of each business (plenary) session ... we were there to have fun, be informed and inspired and that was well delivered.

The house was brought down when spontaneously the New Zealand contingent, both Rotarians and partners, got up on the stage for a rendition of Pokarekare Ana

Some of the NZ contingent

Also from New Zealand was Assistant Governor Jonathon Usher (of the Rotary Club of Dunedin, 9980) who well represented the theme of the Institute "The Magic of Rotary" with his many magic tricks ... just amazing. Jonathon was also one of the Future Leaders Seminar participants.

"Drinking this prevents streaking"

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF PROJECTS IN TONGA.

2011-12-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

by the PAPAKURA ROTARY CLUB, DISTRICT 9920, NEW ZEALAND

A celebration dinner and awards ceremony was recently held at Papakura RSA to celebrate 10 years of projects in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga.

Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded to John Ross and Peter McInnes by the Club for works in Tonga, Ross Chapman, Warren Oliver and Reef Shipping for their assistance. A further Paul Harris Award by Rotary District 9920 and a Citation from Rotary International were presented to John by Bill Boyd, the Chairman of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, for Service to Rotary through work in Tonga.

Papakura Rotary Club projects began in Vava’u, the northern group of the islands of Tonga in 2002 when a house was built for a widow with 5 children, climbing frames for 3 schools erected, school supplies and medical equipment provided.

The following 3 years 4 houses were built and spouting and downpipes on about 60 houses in Utungake

In 2005 a substantial grant was received from NZWCS Ltd, being Rotary Centennial year. This was used to provide a piped water supply to the Village of Utungake. This was a 4 week project carried out by 2 groups of Rotarians assisted by approx 30 Villagers. 4.5km of 63mm pipe was laid, a deepwell electric pump and 2 tanks were installed.

The following year the pipeline and water supply was extended another 2 km to Talihau, a village of about 40 houses, this time with 9 Rotarians from Papakura and 20 locals over 12 days. School desks & books and toothpaste and toothbrushes were also supplied.

In 2007 water supply was completed in Talihau and another pipeline to the nearby village of Utulei laid to a new tank. 700m of spouting and downpipes was erected on 30 houses and existing pumps refurbished. A team of 11 worked on this for 12 days with local assistance.

2008 saw the reticulation of Utelei Village from the supplied already established. This was greeted with huge enthusiasm, and emotion, and ended with a great feast as usual, 5 little pigs were cooked on spits, taro, raw fish, more than we could eat but enjoyed by the locals.

In 2009 an electric pump was put in to replace a broken down diesel in a village on the northern side of Vava’u and a survey of leaks in their existing reticulation carried out. This is a cause of a lot of wastage and cost. A new roof was also placed on the roof of the Library in Neiafu.

In 2010 the first solar powered pumps were installed. These generally provide a base load water supply which can be supplemented by power or diesel pumps, in most cases rainwater harvesting in tanks is the first choice. With 6 solar panels enough power is generated on a sunny day to pump 3000litres/hr from 30m deep to a reservoir. With water tanks for roof water this will be enough for about 70 families. The big plus is that running costs are nil compared with electricity at $1/unit.

Following very dry weather and a late monsoon the pump installed at Utungake in 2005 was unable to supply the combined villages of Utungake and Talihau. In 2011 the Talihau village elders disconnected the pipeline and asked the Club to install a soakage system, which has been used in other low lying villages, to provide a piped supply using the reticulation previously installed.

This was carried out using a shallow well solar powered pump, however, the principal water supply is from rainwater harvesting from roof runoff. To this end a grant from TRF enabled us to install 11 x 10000litre plastic tanks which were sourced from Nuku’alofa. The locals financed and constructed concrete bases to which the tanks were strapped so that they did not blow away when empty. Computers and desks were also supplied to the school.

The past 10 years of projects in Tonga have provided Club members with great fellowship, a sense of a job well done, a glimpse into village life on a Pacific Island and an enjoyable although hectic time.

Our thanks to The Rotary Foundation, District 9920, Harold Thomas Trust, NZ High Commission, Lions Club and others for funding. Roofing materials were supplied by Franklin Long Run Roofing, Shipping of a container every year by Reef Shipping Ltd and accommodation by Ross Chapman. These were recognized by Awards at the recent celebration dinner.

Statistics for the projects: Rotarians 1012 man/days, local villagers 3500 man/days, funding $442,000, donation in kind $150,000. Total in excess of $611,000.

http://www.papakura.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Rotary Rockers to Rock Rotary Institute in Aussie

2011-11-19T20:02:00.000-08:00

From small beginnings three years ago playing at their club changeover night plus occasional gigs to raise funds for their Rotary club - the Rotary Club of Rotorua Sunrise - they are now about to depart for Australia to play at the large international conference that is Brisbane Institute. At the Institute they will play to an audience of around 700 about ten times over the three days, adding a special New Zealand element to this combined New Zealand - Australian event.

The Sunrise Rockers members are: Piripi Curtis (lead gitar), Roger Cunningham (bass), Monty Morrison (rythm guitar), Noel Lambertin (drums) and Andrew Marton (guitar and lead vocals). Their invitation to perform came after they were "discovered" by the Rotary Down Under Board in 2010 as the Board travelled to the Rotary Institute in Tauranga.

Don't forget Christchurch - they have a long way to go

2011-11-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

Rotary was active at the recent Show Week

Visit the Christchurch Rotary response Blog at http://www.rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com/ to see the latest newsletter about the many projects happening. The need is huge and Rotary are asked to keep thinking of helping Rotary in Christchurch for many months to come.

Getting Back on Track

2011-11-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

Type 2 diabetes is occurring in growing numbers in New Zealand. 280,000 New

Zealanders have diabetes and 500,000 New Zealanders are at risk of developing

diabetes.

Poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes can lead to potentially devastating

complications that are expensive to treat.

In its early stages, Type 2 diabetes may cause little in the way of symptoms, and this often leads to it not being taken seriously to begin with, even though self-management education programmes are available in most areas for the newly-diagnosed.

Type 2 Diabetes is also known to be a progressive condition, meaning that management is intensified over time with the addition of more medication and often supplementary insulin.

However,
there is little or no continuing education for those who have had diabetes for some time and now find themselves poorly equipped to deal with the increasing complexity they are confronted with.

Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Takapuna North, Diabetes Auckland held a FREE one-day Refresher called Getting Back On Track for suburban North Shore residents that was piloted in Takapuna on November 19, led by their experienced Diabetes-Educator Team.

Getting Back on Track is designed to reinforce previous knowledge, providing an overview of current management strategies and support systems whilst encouraging participants to take charge of their condition again with the help of their primary care team.

If you have had type 2 diabetes for some time and feel you have gotten off a track lately or you just want fresh input, up-to-date information and support, this one-day Refresher could be an ideal way to get you back in charge again.

It is hoped that Getting Back on Track can be offered in other areas in 2012. Other Rotary clubs could sponsor more courses (with donations of $2,000 per course) tailored to their area, with Maori, Pacific Islands, Chinese and Indian translators available.

Please contact Teresa at Diabetes Auckland on 623 4763 or service@diabetesauckland.org.nz

- By Marguerite Durling, Assistant General Manager of Diabetes NZ Auckland and

Editor of dia-log

Pin it for Polio

2011-11-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

Rotary Foundation partners with global charity Mercy Ships

2011-11-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

Wellingtonian nurse Alison Brieseman is grateful to the Rotary Clubs of Plimmerton, Lower Hutt, Silverstream and Heretaunga whose joint sponsorship has been a key component of her volunteer work with Mercy Ships.

For seven years ports of call in Benin, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have been a way of life for Ms Brieseman. As Director of Nursing on the Africa Mercy she was responsible for the function of the six operating theatres, three wards and the intensive care unit onboard. While surgeries are being performed onboard, optical and dental clinics, agricultural and sanitation projects are delivered ashore. The ship has all the medical facilities required to be self-sufficient in its world-class services, provided at no cost. “Treatment is of the highest standard even if the working conditions are a little different.”

Ms Brieseman she is honoured to treat those without access to health care who are struggling to survive. “Using my skills to bring such massive change to the poorest and most desperate; to help those who have no hope is an amazing privilege. I couldn’t do it without the partnership of people such as Rotarians.”

One patient Ms Brieseman particularly remembers is Alfred who had suffered from a rare facial tumour for four years. “He was the smallest person with the largest tumour I’d seen, yet he had the sweetest nature”.

The two-kilo benign tumour enveloping Alfred’s lower jaw and teeth and causing him to slowly starve was removed by the surgical team onboard. A titanium plate was inserted along and a bone grafted to fashion a new jaw.

14 year-old Alfred said “Before the surgery, people used to run away from me. I didn’t go to school for four years. When I went back to school, all my friends were like ‘Wow!’ My family would say, ‘Yes, it’s a miracle.’ ”

Ms Brieseman had the rare privilege of seeing this young man again five years after his life-saving surgery. Alfred’s life was turned around, and his future full of hope.

She sums up her work simply saying, “It is the most useful thing I’ve ever done.”

To date, Mercy Ships have performed more than 2,884 surgical procedures in Sierra Leone this year.

http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/111005_news_mercyships.aspx

New Zealand www.mercyships.org.nz 0800 637297

Australia www.mercyships.org.au (07) 5437 2992

“This strategic partnership with Mercy Ships enables Rotary to work with a globally recognized leader in the delivery of vital medical and surgical care to the world’s most vulnerable populations. It allows Rotary club members to directly contribute their valuable expertise and skills within the framework of a proven and highly successful health care program.” Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair William B. Boyd

Pacific Humanitarian Team Workshop in Fiji for

2011-11-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Left to right, ShelterBox Response Team member Lyndon Tamblyn, Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset PP Barbara Malimali, Chair of Rotary Fiji Disaster Committee PE Suluo Daunivalu, and Rotary Club of Suva Peninsula Sunset IPP Joshila Lal

ShelterBox New Zealand Response Team member Lyndon Tamblyn recently returned from Fiji where he participated in the 4th Annual Pacific Humanitarian Team Workshop for Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response. He represented both ShelterBox International and ShelterBox New Zealand.

The workshop was sponsored by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and attended by some 100 delegates, including many Pacific Island Government Disaster Officials, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), National Societies, AusAid, NZ Aid Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, United Nations officials and many others.

The five day workshop included a two day realistic disaster exercise, a number of cluster meetings to prepare and respond for “the next one", and a variety of topical presentations.

The importance of camaraderie and networking were some of the key successes of the workshop.

Both Rotary and ShelterBox were showcased very favourably during several of the sessions. Many of the NGOs commented on ShelterBox’s success in working closely with Rotary clubs in times of need.

Whilst in Suva, Lyndon also visited and made presentations to the Rotary Clubs of Suva, Suva North and Suva Peninsula Sunset. Lyndon explained that he received awesome hospitality from the local clubs while building contacts and explaining the work of ShelterBox. The ShelterBox demonstration kit was taken to Fiji to show to the delegates attending the workshop, has since be given to the Rotary clubs in Fiji, and it was handed over to Assistant Governor Shaheen Asgar, of the Suva North Rotary Club for safe keeping and use in promoting the work of ShelterBox amongst the Fijian Rotary clubs

In September this year, Lyndon was selected to participate in the first ever ShelterBox Advanced SRT leadership course which was held in Cornwall, UK. He passed the course, but during it, he managed to drink plenty of sea water as he tried to master off-shore kayaking south of the Lizard in Cornwall!

Lyndon is a Past President of his previous Rotary Club of Bulls, and is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Martin, NZ. He has been a volunteer with Shelterbox for three years, and been on seven overseas deployments, including two to the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Indonesia, Fiji and earlier this year Japan, as well as to Christchurch, NZ.

by Michael Cahill, Director of ShelterBox New Zealand, and member of Rotary Club of Fairfield, Hamilton, NZ

Town Meets Country: A Tale of Two Clubs

2011-11-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

About 100 children from Wainoni Primary School enjoyed a day on a farm thanks to the Rotary Club of Ashburton in Canterbury, New Zealand.

The day trip to Rotarian Errol Stewart’s family farm near Rakaia came about as part of the growing relationship between the Rotary Clubs of Ashburton and Christchurch North. The latter was badly affected by the earthquakes in Canterbury, and Wainoni School is in Rotary Club of Christchurch North’s area.

On November 2, two coach loads of children aged five to 12 years, accompanied by teachers, parents and Rotary Club of Christchurch North President Karen Clark, made the hour long drive to the Stewart family farm where the Ashburton Rotarians had gathered to greet the children and host them for a day on the farm.

After a morning snack, the children were introduced to a variety of animals including pigs, hens, goats, sheep, cows and alpacas. They were encouraged to pet the animals, collect eggs, lead the alpacas, and enjoy some interaction with the Rotarians, the Stewart family and the farm’s animals.

The children visited the milking shed, where 1,600 cows regularly give their daily quota, and also watched sheep being shorn. They were able to have a look over the tractors, implements and harvesters used on the farm.

The Stewart family had made an effort to link the activities of the day to the production of food, so the children gained an understanding of how the bread their parents buy in the supermarket starts with wheat in the Stewart’s paddock, and how the milk, cheese, ice cream and yoghurt they enjoy eating comes from the cows they watched being milked.

Rotary Club of Ashburton treated the children to a rural-style lunch, and the children responded with some singing. The Rotarians discovered that some of the children had never been on a farm before, some having never previously left the city.

The farm visit was one of a wish-list of projects the Rotary Club of Christchurch North suggested to Rotary Club of Ashburton when it took the club under its wing earlier this year. Christchurch North wanted a school affected by the earthquakes to enjoy a day away with an educational benefit.

Ashburton members have been offering support to their neighbouring northern club through regular club night visits and assistance with club projects Christchurch North have either had difficulty manning or funding since the earthquakes.

Rotary Club of Ashburton President John Driscoll points out that the growing relationship between the two clubs has had two-way benefits, with Ashburton members enjoying extending their hospitality and talents to aid a club with some difficulties, while Christchurch North’s meetings have benefitted through some new faces and non-earthquake conversation.

The connection between the clubs began when John and Karen met as Presidents Elect during training prior to this 2011-2012 Rotary year. John and Karen envisage the relationship between the clubs lasting well into the future.

Shearer Grant Smith and Rotarians Ian Smith, Leicester Wilson and John Driscoll explain the process of sheep shearing to Wainoni School pupils.

Article by Alison Driscoll, Publicity Officer, Rotary Club of Ashburton

Interesting and informative - Rotary Down Under magazine for November 2011

2011-10-31T18:33:00.000-07:00

FEATURES IN RDU NOV 2011

Page 13 Deeds of Rotarians Past

14 Cover Story: Yellow Boat Road comes full circle

15 The Future of Rotary: A new take of Rotary’s global community

17 Towards a peaceful future: Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar writes

19 National Immunisation Day: PolioPlus spreads through India

21 Global Outlook: A Rotarian’s guide to the PLUS in PolioPlus

32 2012 RI Convention

ARTICLES AND PHOTOS FEATURING NZ AND

SW PACIFIC

5 Now’s the time to learn what the Foundation does

17 One degree closer to a peaceful future

27 The global Polio laboratory network

37 Fiji Rotahomes: 2^nd phase funds

38 Rotary needs YOU and YOUR ROTARY CLUB to promote ROTARY DAY 2012

40-41 Called to Higher Service

Read the Rotary lifestyle magazine - Rotarian Life & Leisure

2011-10-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

CONTENTS IN ROTARIAN LIFE & LEISURE

Page 4 Cover Story: Off the beaten tourist track in France

8 Explore your horizons: the Barossa Valley dishes up the best

12 Active Travel: road tripping in the USA

14 Travel Talk

16 Healthy Habits

17 Ask the Doctor

20 Conversations with …: acclaimed Australian author John Bailey

24 Food + Wine

26 Tech File

27 Aspects of family history

ARTICLES AND PHOTOS FEATURING NZ AND

SW PACIFIC

10 Diary dates: 26 November is the Lake Taupo Challenge

14 NZ & Lawn Bowls Holidays

24 Free Range in the City

28 Getting social media-ized

Thanks to all concerned!

More than twenty years of tradition

2011-10-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

On a rainy afternoon in early October, District Governor of Disrtict 9930 – Raewyn Kirkman, found herself and her partner Geoff riding a “Skyline” Gondola up Rotorua’s Mt Ngongotaha, through the misty drizzle, to The “Rotary Walk”. They were not alone in their venture. Several Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Rotorua North, one armed with a spade, joined them on their quest. Two of the assemblage had previously ridden the trail, along with a spritely young Kauri tree, in order to prepare for the occasion.

This whole enterprise is part of a Club tradition, which has occurred each year, for more than twenty years, to commemorate the first visit to the Club, from the DG of that Rotary year.

The Rotary Club of Rotorua North initiative began in the 1987/88 Rotary year as a way for the club to acknowledge and honour the District Governor. It is an on-going project that is enabled by “Skyline”, who allow the Club access via the gondolas, and it aims to compliment the Native replanting of Mt Ngongotaha that is promoted by the Ngongotaha Bush Restoration Trust.

During the District Governors first visit to the Club in his/her year, the members escort the DG and his/her wife, husband or partner up Mt Ngongotaha, by Gondola, to the Rotary Walk which is to the left of the Terminal when you reach the top. The DG and members walk through the “forest” of native trees, some Totara and Kauri and other varieties, planted by Past District Governors, to a pre-prepared area where their tree awaits. Photos of the tree planting are taken and the views are enjoyed by all, over refreshments in the Café afterwards.

The Rotary Club of Rotorua North has performed this tradition since two years after it was Chartered and except for three District Governors, Tom Ryan (88/89), Jim Ross (89/90) and Jim Judd (90/91), who for some unknown reason do not appear in the Club Records, all feature on the “Honour Board” and have a Native Tree on Mt Ngongotaha, planted in their name, to show their Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Twenty-two District Governors, now including DG Raewyn, have trees planted and feature on the Honour Board at the entrance to the Walk which is also marked by the Rotary Wheel. This symbol is so very recognisable to so many of the thousands of people that visit “Skyline” each year from throughout New Zealand and the World. The walk is “perpetual promotion” of Rotary and the Rotary Club of Rotorua North is very proud to maintain it for all to enjoy.

Submitted by: Rotary Club of Rotorua North www.taggedtrout.co.nz/rotary

Your views about the Rotary Down Under magazine would be appreciated.

2011-10-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

The feedback of our magazine readers is valued and all readers are invited to take part in a short survey to assist the on-going improvements to the magazine that have made it such a success story. To complete the survey (and thereby have a chance at winning a $2,000 grocery voucher) please:

Click here to participate in the 2011 Rotary Down Under Readership Survey.

More information is also at http://www.rdusurvey.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Women in Rotary on display

2011-10-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

At least weekend's Every Woman Expo in Auckland, a group of women from a number of clubs took turns in looking after a display on Rotary at the Expo.

This opportunity to talk to quite a number of women (and one man ... was he lost?) about Rotary and why they enjoyed belonging to their club and Rotary in general was very effective. Most women spoken to were unaware that they could join Rotary and were very impressed at the level of involvement by women in Rotary and the contribution they were making.

The display generated a list of women interested in learning more and visiting clubs. Each interested woman was matched with a Rotarian who will follow them through the process of introduction to a club to, hopefully, induction. This will give an indication of how well this type of publicity for Rotary works in creating new members. The display had:

a Flyer for handing out (click here to download )
a supporting website at www.WomeninRotary.rotarysouthpacific.org
the October Rotary Down Under magazines kindly provided by RDU to provide the regional perspective and success stories

Everyone who assisted agreed that the best way to promote Rotary was to take Rotary to the people and that every major event around Auckland should have a Rotary presence in some form for consistency. Thanks go to those who assisted but especially to Leanne Jaggs and the District 9920 Membership-PR Committee who reacted quickly to the last minute opportunity.

New Zealand and Pacific Islands Rotary Down Under
Manager Beryl Robinson showing off the October issue (pictured below)

October 2011 Rotary Down Under magazine

2011-10-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

Positive change, positive results

At 21, Holy joined Rotary through a corporate sponsorship programme for members aged under 25 and is now President Elect. She said “I’ve met people through Rotary I would not have had access to in my normal day-to-day life.” Read about Holly and her club in the October issue of Rotary Down Under magazine (also on-line at www.rotarydownunder.org ).

Here are some questions for you:

1. Have you heard of a “speed-conversation” style meeting?

2. What happens when you take a room full of enthusiastic Rotarians and add a mixture of shared ideas?
3. The Dream Cricket Day was a good idea but how did they make it work?
4. What is awaiting Rotarians in the Land of a Thousand Smiles?
The answers are in your October Rotary Down Under magazine.

Articles featuring New Zealand and the SW Pacific in October 2011 Rotary Down Under magazine:

An exciting month for the Foundation (RDU page 5)

Adrienne cleans up with Institute project (7)
Smiling with the Eyes in Sumba (17)
Institute opened to new leaders (19)
Join us on the RDU Convention Tours (27)
Pre and Post Rotary International Convention Tours (32 & 33)
Timaru South’s blockbuster (36)
Paul Harris Fellows (40-41)
Called to Higher Service (41)
A family holiday (42)

Bangkok Convention 2012

It is said that you have not experienced the potential and internationality of Rotary until you have attended an RI Convention so this is your chance:

City of Angels (24)

Let’s make it a land of our smiles (25-26)
Rules for the roads and rails (26)
RI Convention Registration forms (28 – 31)

Hello Sailor

2011-10-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

On the weekend of 1 - 2 October over 23,000 people visited the ships of the NZ Navy in Wellington to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Navy. The public donated $11,071 to the Rotary gold coin donation collection which will be divided among three charities: the HMNZS Wellington Kimi Ora School, defibrilators for Wellington Free Ambulance and the RNZWCS Disaster Response Kits.

A Rotarian Development Forum underway in District 9970

2011-10-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend a Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training weekend was held in Christchurch to train new facilitators for the popular RLI courses. Those being trained came from District 9970 (the host district), 9910, 9920 and 9940. This now means that District 9970 has the facilitators to get their courses underway and planning for the first course can commence. All six New Zealand-based districts are now involved.

PDG Judy Bain's comments reflect the success of the weekend: "Thanks so much to everyone for the wonderfully warm welcome to RLI. It was a fantastic weekend, superb company, food, education and hospitality." From a highly respected and experienced Rotary trainer this is high praise indeed.

To learn more about RLI, what it is and when it is being held please refer to http://www.rli.rotarysouthpacific.org/ and your district training and / or RLI Committee.

Being a Rotarian training forum, RLI is suitable for any Rotarian wanting to learn more about Rotary and become more involved in Rotary at any level - just get your club to put you forward for the next course.

“It’s a load of rubbish!”

2011-09-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yes “CAN do” said the Rotary Club of Whakatu, Nelson when asked to assist with the clean up of the Trafalgar Park Stadium in partnership with Spotless Ltd after the three Rugby World Cup games hosted in Nelson. So, put together 35 Rotarians, some big plastic bags, and what do you get? A clean stadium and funds for community needs.

Howick Rotary's Golden Jubilee

2011-09-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Some of those attending

The Rotary Club of Howick Inc celebrated its Golden Jubilee in style at the Howick Club with a black-tie function on 27 September. The club was chartered in 1961 by the Rotary Club of Newmarket whose current president, Roger Gower, noted that the vision of the initiators 50 years ago has been successfully realised although possibly at the time, when the idea was proposed, some members may have said "Howick is a good idea ... where is it."

The evening was attended by 150 supporters that included 90 members and partners including two charter members and 35 past presidents (try to organise into a photo!) plus many guests including Mayor Len Brown. The Mayor congratulated the club and noted that the 'Rugby World Cup is a uniting thing for this city and is proof that the city will unite as a community."

District Governor Alan read out a letter of congratulations from RI President Kalyan Banergee and presented President Kathy Kennedy (the club) with a Rotary International Certificate for 50 years of Service.

The club has two anniversary projects: the first was a book entitled 'Giving Back' that detailed the history of the club and the second is the interpretative Stockade Hill Plane Table as a gift to the Howick Community. The unveiling of this will be at Stockade Hill in Howick on Saturday 12 November, 11 am and all are welcome.

Awarding PHFs can be done creatively

A couple of final interesting facts: The club has awarded 89 Paul Harris Recognitions over the years representing US$89,000 into The Rotary Foundation for service projects and had contributed $2million into the community through club projects over its first 50 years.

Pictues at: https://picasaweb.google.com/Howickrotary/JubileeCelebration

Taveuni Ambulance has arrive and is operational

2011-09-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

All district and their clubs contributed to this project and can take pride in the ability to work cooperatively and achieve a result that is going to be so beneficial for this Pacific Island community. The project is not just the provision of a well appointed ambulance but also the training of medical and support personnel.

Three in One Meeting - just incredible

2011-09-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

If you ever were wondering what a Rotary meeting was like ...

Today's meeting of the Rotary Club of St Johns, Auckland, NZ was amazing with Varayame attending following the amputation of his feet - his recovery from this is so incredible and his spirits so high, especially at the likelihood of prosthetics being fitted next week that he lifted everyone's spirits as well; this is a club/ROMAC project. In addition they had the Fiji RWC team along for breakfast and also their guest speaker Andrew McKenzie, this year's St Johns Rotary Youth Yachting Scholar.

Fiona shares a quip with Fijian RWC team members

What a breakfast - continental and / or cook - what choice!

The "Sergeant Session" was highly entertaining and very well thought out.
Anyone who thought a Rotary meeting was dull got that myth thoroughly dispensed with!

Andrew McKenzie is a high achiever with commendable future plans and is the 15th
scholar and like his predecessors finished tops in the CORK Regatta in Kingston. The scholarship provides promising young sailors assistance to their first international competition.

Other activities mentioned during the meeting were:

An update on Varayame (mentioned above)
The success of the Glen Taylor Camp that many members made donations to
The Brian Gibbes Memorial Golf Tournamant in October to raise funds for a sporting scholarship
Also in October is the Trivia Night raising funds for club projects but also an incredibly popular fun event
Simon Jones gave an update on Deltacom and the fact that the club support programme has contributed $18,000 back to the club over the years (used for RYLA) and 150,000 to Rotary in general

More information via: http://www.stjohns.rotarysouthpacific.org/ and http://www.romac.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Are they worried? Wellington Seismic Event Prepardness Conference

2011-09-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

A joint project run by the Rotary Club of Wellington and Victoria University of Wellington.

Go to www.rotaryforum.org.nz for dates, programme (speakers) and to register

Gifts for Kids

2011-09-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Lautoka in Fiji has just donated puzzles, posters, story books and paint to the FSC Kindergarten. President Rick Eyre said "we hope these gifts will contrinute to the educational development and well-being of the students."

A bunch of daffodils does so much good

2011-09-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

The daffodil heralds spring around the world and nowhere more so than in Dunedin where the Rotary Club of Dunedin in District 9980 has over the years planted over 277,000 daffodils around Dunedin and Mosgiel, all blooming in September. For the 32nd year the Rotary Club of Dunedin is raising funds for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind and the Roxburgh Children's Health Camp. Volunteers will pick 50,000 blooms from member Les Cleveland's property at Saddle Hill and it is hoped that their sale will bring in $10,000

Project featured in the February 2009 Rotary Down Under magazine - read on-line via archived copies at www.rotarydownunder.org

French Polynasian Scouts at the World Jamboree in Sweden

2011-09-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

ShelterBox helps Scouts made ‘tentless’ at World Scout Jamboree

Mark Dyer and Alan Monroe from ShelterBox USA meet scouts from French Polynesia

It may not have been the hurricane or monsoon conditions that ShelterBox are used to, but rain has left Scouts without warm, safe accommodation at the World Scout Jamboree.

After two days of almost constant downpours, a group of 14 French Polynesian Scouts found their tents destroyed and their equipment soaked at the 40,000 person event in southern Sweden. International disaster relief charity, ShelterBox, which is an official partner of The Scout Association, came to the aid of the newly homeless Scouts.

Sylvie, the Scout Leader accompanying the group said, 'It's great that ShelterBox were able to help. Our Scouts would have been sleeping in the rain otherwise.'

ShelterBox, which is attending the jamboree to promote its disaster relief work, were able to provide two of their specially designed tents to keep the Scouts dry and warm.

Lizzy Treglown, a ShelterBox Response Team volunteer at the event, said, ‘Although on a much smaller, less serious scale, the situation was remarkably similar to conditions we face in the field. A group of people were left without shelter following terrible weather conditions. We were delighted to offer a solution.’

To say thank you, the French Polynesian Scouts performed a ‘wahaka’, a traditional custom, for the ShelterBox representatives.

‘It was incredible to experience. I’ve seen the New Zealand All Blacks perform something similar but seeing it in person was completely different.’ Lizzy said.

The tents provided to the French Polynesian Scouts will be used by ShelterBox Sweden to raise awareness of the charity’s work after the jamboree.

French Polynesian Scouts thank ShelterBox representatives by performing a ‘wahaka’, a traditional Polynesian custom

Submitted by: Mike Cahill

Sea Scouts get a boost to repair rescue boat

2011-09-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Roger Horton , Group Leader Mount Pleasant Sea Scouts with Sea Scouts Vaughan Bamford and Campbell Wright in receipt of the cheque for $4000.00. The donation was made for support of rescue boat repairs so they can carry out their activities on Lyttelton Harbour as the Estuary is not available due to pollution following the earthquakes. The amount was made up

from:

$1,000 from Winton Club donated through Christchurch

South

$2,500 from Murgon Club in Brisbane donated through

Christchurch South

$300 personal donation by Christchurch South member

$200 from Christchurch South general funds.

Submitted by: Assistant Rotary Coordinator Ross Skinner

Some environmental projects are so easy

2011-09-18T12:47:00.000-07:00

Rotary International's First Corporate Membership

2011-09-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Rotary International recently launched a new global membership category in response to demand from commercial organisations seeking to leverage the rich heritage and community reach of Rotary. Rotary has secured more than 1.2 million members globally over the last 5 years and continues to successfully adapt to changing social trends. The newly initiated Corporate Membership Program is an extension of this and is gaining significant attention and interest.

In another first, the Rotary Club of Newmarket (RCON) has secured the first formal global membership member for Rotary International under the new scheme with Bank New Zealand recently joining the club. “BNZ’s participation in the Rotary Club of Newmarket is an important statement of our commitment to not only to Newmarket, but also the wider community as it provides a fantastic channel for the bank and our staff to contribute to the excellent social projects undertaken by RCON” says Lyndon Settle, Managing Partner at Bank of New Zealand.

Further, Kim Growden, BNZ Manager - Newmarket adds "BNZ Newmarket is proud and privileged to be the first corporate members to join RCON. BNZ's commitments to the community such as Closed For Good, Save The Kiwi & Plunket align perfectly with those of RCON, and this membership now gives us a great chance to work together to create a higher achieving New Zealand".

President of RCON, Roger Gower, highlights the wider benefit for corporate members. “Rotary is the perfect vehicle for providing opportunities for young executives to develop their leadership, presentation and organisational capabilities in a non-threatening environment. Further it provides excellent networking opportunities across business and community leaders” Roger comments.

The Corporate Membership Program is one in a series of initiatives being implemented by the Rotary Club of Newmarket as it manages its ongoing growth and expansion of community projects and member services.

Press Release from the Rotary Club of New market Inc, Auckland, NZ http://www.newmarket.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Trade Me - well worth while

2011-09-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Newmarket, Auckland uses a Trade Me account to raise funds by listing unneeded/donated items from members. In the sort time they have been doing this they have painlessly raised $3,000 !

www.newmarket.rotarysouthpacific.org

Walk on the Wild Side!

2011-09-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Last year a number of Rotarians and clubs took part in this unique Cure Kids event either by assisting with the on-th-day organisation or by entering a team. If you would like to support Cure Kids by taking part in their Walk on the Wild Side - a day out walking the wild west caost of Auckland, then go to www.walkonthewildside.rotarysouthpacific.org or www.curekids.org.nz

Dictionaries are treasured

2011-09-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Dictionaries for Schools

A recent distribution of dictionaries was well-received at Rongomai School in Otara. Dave Houghton and Val Gyde attended a morning assembly at the school on 1 September where Principal Tina Voordouw provided a warm welcome to the Rotary Visitors. After explaining the purpose of the visit the class nominated to receive dictionaries on this occasion eagerly lined up to receive their books. After the presentation, the school kapa haka group sang some waiata.

According to Tina and other teachers at the school, these colourful pictorial dictionaries are hugely popular with the students and very helpful in expanding vocabulary and understanding of terms. They are often a great way of encouraging literacy within families as students are encouraged to take the dictionaries home to show parents and siblings.

Photos: Dave Houghton, Vocational Director, distributing dictionaries to students.

Submitted by: Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki http://www.botany.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Cromwell club commences project to refurbish room in Oncology Ward

2011-09-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

The long stay rooms need upgrading, and to their credit Otago Boys High School pupils have taken the lead in doing up one room. The Rotary Club of Cromwell Inc is following suit.

The first project event, a home hosting dinner was a great success. Their goal is to raise $7500. The refurbishment will include a new patient controlled bed, a large flat screen TV, a fridge and a PlayStation that will double as a DVD player.

There are several rooms in need of refurbishment in Ward 8C. Other clubs might like to follow the Cromwell lead. Please feel free to email Cromwell Rotarian Will Hope if you want to know more (contact details via http://www.rotarysouthpacific.org/ )

Source: District 9980 Newsletter, September 2011 Ward 8C takes care of cancer patients who may require long stays some of whom are neutrapenic patients who because of their low immunes systems are unable to leave their rooms. A good bed, a good TV and other facilities are something that really helps. As one person with close links to their club said, ‘Spending such a long time in the room and not being able to escape leaves you with little options to entertain yourself, the cancer drugs affect your attention span so reading be-comes difficult, and hours of lying in bed with no energy makes the little things around you become important as the room becomes your home’

An Amazing Response to the Christchurch Earthquakes by Rotary

2011-09-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

Since the earthquakes, Rotarians in Christchurch have been hard at work, mostly under the radar, assisting community organisations, communities, families and individuals in need. The support from Rotarians and clubs in New Zealand and around the world has been staggering as has what has been achieved from that support! The Blog at www.rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com you will find current reports from the two main Rotary entities managing the identification and implementation/support of recovery projects and the funding of these plus some other news of interest.

· Earthquake Response Support Project

· Christchurch Earthquake Charitable Trust

Future leaders seminar is proving popular in strengthening districts

2011-09-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Rotary Insititutes are informational meetings held for past, present and incoming officers of Rotary International, their guests and any others invited by the Convenor (RI Director Stuart Heal). The next Zone Institute is being held in Brisbane Friday 25 to Sunday 27 November and is preceeded by training days for District Governors, Governor Elects, Governor Nominees, District Trainers and ...

Take a room full of enthusiastic Rotarians, add a mixture of shared ideas and inspirational addresses, sprinkle liberally with a desire to make a difference in Rotary, and you have the perfect recipe for the 2011 Future Leaders Seminar - an exciting innovation thanks to the vision and foresight of Rotary International Director Stuart Heal and the immediate past, current and incoming District Governors of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region.

This will be held on Thursday 24 November at a venue immediately adjacent to the Institute venue. Nominated by their districts, these future Rotary leaders (at all levels of Rotary) will get a focussed, unique insight into the international world of Rotary while addressing key topics through faciliated discussion with like-minded peers.

Future Leader's Seminar Convenor, PDG Cathy Roth noted that by nominating suitable Rotarians to attend, districts were ensuring they had strong, knowledgable and capable leaders now and into the future.

The vast majority of districts throughout New Zealand and Australia have enthusiastically supported this initiative and the numbers attending the Future Leaders Seminar are now well over 100 and growing.

The October issue of Rotary Down Under magazine will have an article on this topic - Institute opened to future leaders (page 19)

Computers to Samoa

2011-09-06T23:28:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Kaitikati carried out a successful project providing computers to nine schools in Samoa. Kaitikati Rotarians journeyed to Samoa where they received an enthusiastic welcome. They returned with wonderfully written letters of thanks from the children. Some of the letters were described by Katikati Rotarians as “worthy of being framed” for the warmth of the gratitude expressed by the children.

The Rotary club of Apia (Samoa) also provided support for the project which benefited as many as 6,500 pupils in Samoan schools.

From 'Rotary Rocks' - a District 9930 club bulletin extract

Experience Bangkok before and / or Phuket after Rotary Convention in Bangkok

2011-09-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the land of a thousand smiles - let's make it a thousand Kiwi smiles! - and the city of temples, canals and floating flower markets; also the city that is a busy modern metropolis. Come ... 'Sawatdee krap" (g'day/welcome)

Special pre and Post Rotary International Convention Tours are available:

Experience Bangkok before the convention 3-11 May 2012, and / or
Indulge with a tropical getaway in Phuket after the convention 5-15 May 2012

For full details go here: http://www.ventureholidays.com.au/holidaypackagepdfs/577.pdf

Hamilton Rotary Clubs Celebrate Opening of Hydrotherapy Pool

2011-09-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Hamilton East Rotary Club recently hosted a meeting of all Hamilton Clubs to celebrate the opening of the hydrotherapy pool (pictured) at Hamilton’s “Waterworld” on July 22^nd 2011. Rotary was a major driver and fundraiser behind the development of the hydrotherapy pool, with Hamilton City Council the major financial contributor. The programme originated in1983 when John Thorne the then President of the Hamilton East Rotary Club promoted the project. Initially the club raised $75,000 which was not enough to build the pool, but was used to provide better facilities at “Waterworld”.

In 2006 all of the Rotary clubs within Hamilton picked up the project, under Ron Hancock, Rotary Area 1 Governor, who joined the Hydrotherapy Pool Trust and set up the Rotary Hydrotherapy Pool committee. The latest total contribution to the pool from Rotary was $84,200, with most of this money raised through the Rotary Club of Waikato Sunrise who arranged for many volunteers to serve at the stalls at the Hamilton V8 racing events.

A number of people who were involved in the fundraising or have benefited from the pool spoke at the evening meeting.

Pictured are (from left to right):

Front row

John Thorne, President of Hamilton East Rotary 1983/84

Patricia Hancock, Member of Hamilton Rotary Club, Rotary Hydrotherapy Pool committee and the Hydrotherapy Pool Trust

Pennie Evans, Hydrotherapy Pool Trust and representing hydrotherapy pool users

Margaret Holroyd, Hydrotherapy Pool Trust and representing hydrotherapy pool users

Back row

Clive Kingsley-Smith, Chairman of the Rotary Hydrotherapy Pool Committee

Ron Lane

, former Hamilton East Rotary member and pool fundraiser

David Peart, chair of the Hamilton Hydrotherapy Pool Charitable Trust

Roger Fitzgerald, Hamilton Rotary Club and immediate past Area 1 Governor. Member of the Hydrotherapy Pool Trust and the Rotary Hydrotherapy Pool committee.

Rotarians open homes to rugby visitors for the Rugby World Cup

2011-09-06T11:57:00.001-07:00

With the first games of the Rugby World Cup kicking off on Friday 9 September, New Zealand Rotarians will be welcoming their first international guests in a unique home hosting programme for rugby loving Rotarians.

The project is the brain child of a couple of hardworking Rotarians from 9940, Allan Brown from RC Hutt City and Howard Tong RC Port Nicholson. (See www.rotarynzrugbyhosting.org)

“We were looking for ways to bring Rotarians together, to support the Rugby World Cup campaign in New Zealand and, of course, to make a few dollars for charity – in this case the Polio Plus campaign, says Howard.

Under the home hosting scheme, visitors pay $150 a night and $100 of that goes to the Polio Plus campaign with the host keeping the rest to cover their costs.

Rotarians in nine centres around New Zealand where games are being played will host international Rotarians for a total of 131 visitor nights. 30% of the visitors are coming from Australia, 20% from England, and 17% from South Africa. A third of the total visitor nights are made up of Rotarians visiting other Rotarians within New Zealand, plus there’s a few from various other countries.

Close to $15,000 will be contributed to Polio Plus as a result of this highly successful programme.

“There have been more offers to host than we can use,” Howard Tong says. “On behalf of the organising committee may I thank all those who have offered to host, and we are sorry if you have missed out on having an overseas guest. We selected hosts who were closest to a venue first, and moved out from there.”

There have been many side benefits – in addition to the friendships forged and the money raised.

The website developed specially for this project is very professionally presented and has worked well. Visitors had to register and prepay through the site. “The spectacular graphics of upside down grass struck a chord with many European visitors.”

20,000 professionally written email newsletters were distributed to rotary clubs around the world. These newsletters generated 350 responses and much interaction between NZ and other clubs.

“That was a big plus in itself”, says Howard. ““We expect hundreds of new Rotary friendships will be made between hosts and visitors.”

Coordinators around the country were trained through the use of webinars, “and that worked well. The web technology we used is available to be cloned for other Rotary events.”

The organising committee has met over the last three years and has included several young non Rotarians who added to the technology capability in the team lead by Allan Brown of the Hutt City Club.

“Martin Snedden, the Chief Executive of RWC 2011, has been very supportive throughout and has spoken highly of the project when he addressed various district conferences. We have also gained several new members through this project alone.

“We took the programme to three international conventions -, Birmingham, Montréal and New Orleans, and we got the endorsement of three RI Presidents Bill Boyd, John Kenny and Ray Klinginsmith.

“The programme also featured in several RI magazines particularly RDU.”

The website www.rotarynzrugbyhosting.org will remain open until the end of October.

For more details

Allan Brown

allan@metallion.co.nz

64 4 4957827

DG visits Buculevu Secondary School project

2011-09-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

The following is an extract from the journal of Claire Eyes following the District Governor visit by DG Alan and Claire to Fiji in August. At the time this segment was written they were being hosted and guided by Geoff Amos of the Rotary Club of Taveuni Island.

Extract begins:

From left: Geoff Amos, Claire Eyes and ?

The ferry crosses to the larger island in around 1 hour, then there’s a 2hr bus ride to SavuSavu.

Next we head up the winding bumpy dirt track to the “Buculevu Secondary School” perched up on a hill overlooking the sea and surrounded by palm trees and gorgeous bright coloured foliage. Here we view local village men learning on the job building skills overseen by Geoffrey and Keith Covert the Chief Builder he has taught. The Buculevu Secondary School 40 bed Girls Dormitory will enable students from the final 2 years of schooling to have more space and privacy. Currently 140 female boarding students are housed in 2 small accommodation houses.

We view the Dormitory which is nearing completion. Alex contributed some time and energy painting the wall of the laundry area yesterday. Many local island volunteers are also giving their time. The rooms are spacious, housing 4/room in bunk beds, a cupboard each, shared desk area, shelving and the beds are high enough off the floor to enable each girl to have her own personal linen box. The rooms are light and have insect netting outside the louvered windows.

There are 3 showers and toilets in the complex and a large outdoor laundry area all nicely tiled. The mattresses are ready to be placed on the beds and the complex is due to be finished by the end of August. This was an amazing project costing F$100,000 ($75,000NZ) and supported by the Knox Rotary Club of Melbourne and the Rotary club of Newmarket amongst others. Geoffrey is keen to have fundraising to provide computers in this school to bring students up to the level of the main island.

Submitted by: Claire Eyes.

http://www.taveuni.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Update on the Christchurch Earthquake Rotary response activities

2011-09-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

Just released is an update outlining the many recovery activities of the Rotary response to the Christchurch Earthquake; To read this in full click on: http://rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com/2011/09/update-on-recovery-activities.html

Also in that update is information about how you can purchase a special Rotary stamp and support the Rotary response at the same time ... a collectors edition maybe !?

Praise for website

2011-09-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

The more we do with the Rotary website [ http://www.rotarysouthpacific.org/ ]the more impressed we are with it. It’s an amazing tool, and we’re getting increasing “buy-in” from Clubs and the District. Thanks for all you and the team do to make this possible.

John Barton, District 9980 webmaster http://www.9980.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Rotary Down Under magazine - September 2011

2011-09-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

People throughout New Zealand, the Pacific and Australia are talking about Rotary Down Under as the magazine fulfils its growing role as a forum for ideas and debate about issues that challenge the status quo. If you like a robust debate, have a look at the Mail Box section!

The September cover story is about Rotarian Professor Ralph Martins who is breaking new ground in the search for the answer to Alzheimer’s disease.

September is New Generation’s Month so this issue features some Rotaract activities. It is noted that District 9910’s initiative to provide every participant to their 2011 Rotary Youth Leadership Award camp a copy of the current Rotary Down Under magazine was well received by the participants who now have a better understanding of the scope of Rotary’s contribution to and influence in communities throughout our region. This is an easy way to foster long-term support of Rotary by the participants of our various New Generation programmes.

Articles featuring New Zealand and the SW Pacific in

September 2011 Rotary Down Under magazine include:

What will be your legacy? (RDU page 5)

Back on the road (9)

Raewyn’s wheely good idea (20)

Off the Ricther (25)

Hunter clubs in Papua New Guinea (26)

Golfing Holiday becomes International Service Project (28)

Beam of Hope (30)

It’s all downhill from here (35)

Wandering minstrels (36-38)

Paul Harris Fellows (40-41)

Caller to Higher Service (41)

Of interest: The “Latest News” section (a rolling news service) on the Rotary Down Under website below promotes articles about Rotary that have recently appeared in local media. For example, on 1 September it included news about the Rotary Clubs of Ellerslie Sunrise (Artworks), Auckland Harbourside (Seize the ‘Indian opportunity’), Botany East Tamaki (Rangitoto Award), and Makino (Conservation Week). Spread the word …

A selection of other RDU September articles to get you thinking:

Rotary’s online evolution: eClubs are about to become a significant part of Rotary, so learn more about them (page 16)

Rotaract: Rotary could learn a thing or two about promotion! (21)

Enjoy the excitement of Bangkok - In October RDU magazine look out for information about the Bangkok Rotary International Convention and tours.

Every three or four years Rotary Down Under conducts a Reader Survey to ensure that we understand the needs of our readers, subscribers and organisations that support us. The next Reader Survey is in October, so if you are asked to participate, we would be grateful for your support. The results are kept strictly in-house. We guarantee that your details will never be passed on to a third party.

Are you a Rotarian Doing Business?

Join Rotary Down Under’s free professional services and trades directory of Rotarians wishing to advertise their businesses. Go to www.rdu.rotarysouthpacific.org for how to register, because your registration must come via your club Secretary so we can ensure that only genuine Rotarians are listed.

Cleaning up for RWC

2011-09-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Last weekend saw us cleaning up the Manurewa township in preparation for the RWC. It could be described as organized as some 180 odd helpers armed with buckets spades, paint brushes, water, ladders and numerous other forms of cleaning equipment took to their allocated area and began an all out assault on years of dirt and grime. The problem with windows is they have two sides - and we were only doing the outside!! The highlight for me was the man and his wife from the fruit shop appearing with 2 boxes of bananas and 2 boxes of apples as a thank you.

Fom President Ray, Rotary Club of Alfristin, Auckland, District 9920

Ambulance Update

2011-08-31T17:28:00.000-07:00

Most clubs throughout New Zealand contributed to an ambulance for Taveuni Island (see earlier Posting). This was due to have been delivered to Taveuni Island by now and an ambulance officer currently on the island providing training has just completed this course ... but without the ambulance. This training was however an outstanding success with 24 staff from the hospital, Police, Fire and Prison attending. This success has seen a request for paramedic training to be held in Taveuni, Savusavu and Labasa in early 2012. The delivery of the ambulance from Suva (in transit) was due to very high seas and high winds and the decision not to risk the ambulance proved to be prudent as other vehicles on the sailing were damaged. Delivery is expected on the next ship to Taveuni Island.

Submitted by: Geoff Amos, Rotary Club of Taveuni Island, District 9920

New Governor General is a Rotarian

2011-08-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

The new Governor General of New Zealand, former defence forces chief Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae was sworn in today (31 August 2011, NZST). He is a member of the Rotary Club of Wellington, District 9940 and takes over from Sir Anand Satyanand who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Wellington.

Fairfield's Achievements

2011-08-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Fairfield Rotary’s reputation for friendly and efficient meetings established under Charter President Alf Ward has continued throughout the years. Project involvement has been significant both locally and in the South Pacific, gradually extending internationally with Polio Plus and Student Exchanges, Rotary Friendship Exchange and now Shelter Boxes.

The club’s local activities have involved the hands-on construction of a children’s play court at Chartwell Park; then a combined project led by Fairfield enlisting the co-operation of the then six Hamilton clubs to provide and equip Hamilton’s first Life Support Ambulance.

In 2000, Fairfield Rotary’s Millennium Project

created a dramatic Portico to transform the Hamilton Gardens glasshouses into an attractive Music Conservatory. Recognising a need for specialist operating equipment for very young children, the club funded paediatric laparoscopic surgical instruments for Waikato Hospital. Club Members have visited Fiji with hands-on help to provide water supplies, renovate school buildings and construct Rotahomes. Over many years the club, with wonderful community support, has successfully targeted graffiti in its Fairfield area, an activity since taken over by the city council.

“Window on Waikato”, a fundraiser to benefit Red Cross and Hospice, initiated visits
to fine gardens and native bush, running successfully for many years and was subsequently adopted by Hospice themselves. Today club support is strong for Polio Eradication and for Shelter Box, while at the local level every week club members provide a reading recovery programme for Fairfield Primary School juniors. Hundreds of children have benefitted from this and every senior child now receives from the club a dictionary for their own personal use.

Fairfield Rotary have recently adopted part of Claudelands Park and provided children’s play equipment and a sheltered rest area for the parents.

Over the years, fund raising has encompassed raffles, progressive dinners, working bees, business house appeals, auctions, celebrity debate and Window-on-Waikato. The standout fundraiser now is the annual Rotary Book Fair, enjoying wonderful member participation, its financial success enabling even greater assistance to youth, health and humanity both locally and world-wide.

40 Presidents, their directors and committees, and indeed every member, can look with pride on the achievements of four decades of Fairfield Rotary.

Submitted by the Rotary Club of Fairfield, District 9930 www.fairfield.rotarysouthpacific.org

Rotary in evidence deep in jungle

2011-08-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Graeme Guilford near the school in the Papua New Guinea jungle

Rotary Club of Matamata, New Zealand Vice President Graeme Guilford experienced firsthand the scope of Rotary in the world.

Graeme, an avid tramper and outdoorsman, completed the famous Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea this last April. Part-way through the trek, in the middle of the Papua New Guinea jungle, Graeme’s party came upon a small village.

The villagers were very keen to show the trampers their village school which consisted of a few buildings, pretty primitive by western standards, Graeme explained. But it was when Graeme went inside that he found what was to become one of the highlights of the trip for him.

“Over the door between two of the classrooms was the Rotary wheel,” Graeme said. When he questioned the people in the village further, he discovered that the school has been funded and built by Rotarians and the Rotary Foundation. “That was a huge buzz for me, making me proud to be a Rotarian. If anyone wants proof that the money they donate to Foundation is well spent, then they need look no further,” Graeme emphasised.

By David Hulme, District 9930 Newsletter Editor, www.9930.rotarysouthpacific.org

Fiji water project success

2011-08-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

SEVEN villages with over 180 homes - 500 people now have a reliable water supply thanks to a joint project involving the Rotary Club of Taveuni Island, who arrange a Matching Grants and the project and contributions from the Rotary Clubs of Whakatane West and Hamilton.

The Tavenui water project was the brainchild of Fred and Doug Ball and saw 2000 meters of water pipe laid that took water from a mission station out to the villages where each had its own water tank installed so they could take control of their own water supply. A set of rules has been developed so the integrity of the system can be maintained and villagers are learning ther importance of water conservation so that the village tank is not emptied through errors such as careless running of taps.

Adapted from the August District 9930 Newsletter

Wheels and Paddles and Shoe Boxes of Love

2011-08-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

At the July District 9930 Changeover the keys to a new minibus were handed over to the Canterbury Rowing Association CEO, Rotarian John Wylie along with many members of the New Zealand Under 23 Rowing Squad, with many members from Christchurch. The minibus was purchased thanks to significant donations from the Rotary Clubs of Cambridge, Tauranga and Hamilton plus smaller donations by the Rotary Club of Otorohanga amd Rotorua's Kawaha Point Primary School - a perfect example of leveraging asnd collaboration.

The minibus was filled with "Shoes Boxes of Love" received from the Cambridge and Taupo communities and quilts from Rotorua for distribution in Christchurch.

The minibus will be used to transport intermediate and high school rowers to training and events. When it is not being used for thisd it will be on offer to Sport Canterbusry to transport children from the eastern Sector of Christchurch to recreational events.

Article from the August District 9970 Newsletter, www.9970.rotarysouthpacific.org and www.9930.rotarysouthpacific.org

Community Clicks in Rotary Lego Event

2011-08-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

Sonia Lindsay and son Sam, 5, of Pleasant Point,

deep in thought as they try to construct a dog from

Lego blocks provided by sponsor Mitre 10 Mega. PHOTO: GRAEME STILWELL.

Lego Olympics were literally a runaway success in Timaru over three days as nimble fingers clicked and snapped tiny blocks into shapes, models and racing cars. As well as a race against time to build models and structures and the usual static displays, the July 28, 29 and 30 event featured sections for all ages including a car race. The Lego 5000mm was a race between Lego cars, which gravity propelled in smashing fashion down a specially-built laned track. Each age group held section races and there was an overall prize for the car that travelled the furthest out into sponsor Mitre 10 Mega’s aisles. Those honours went to William Valentine of Gleniti School. The Lego Olympics have become an eagerly-awaited event in South Canterbury after first being held in 2008.

Pioneered then as a New Zealand first by the Rotary Club of Timaru South, the family fun event has captured the imagination of scores of young people pitting their skills against each other in building models to a pre-determined design and in anything-goes sections. Chief Judge Don George said the Rotary Club of Timaru South was excited about bringing the Lego contest back to South Canterbury year after year. “We had a brilliant turnout this year and this event is growing every year we hold it.” Convener Stuart Croft said the success of this year’s events meant the Lego Olympics will return in 2012.

“Rotary is about providing fun and learning experiences for our young people and judging by the laughter and delight, they certainly had plenty of both this year,” he said. He paid tribute to sponsors Mitre 10 Mega, Lego NZ and The Warehouse and to Ian Poulter, principal of Bluestone School, who each year provides the school hall as a venue for the event.

Imagine not remembering your loved ones - Take Time to Remember

2011-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Northcote & The Tea Lady of Birkenhead Point are holding a 'Cuppa for a Cause - Tea for Two' to raise funds for Alzheimers Auckland on 2 October 2011, 10.30am - 4pm at Senior Citizens House, 119 Queen Street, Northcote, Auckland. $10 Adults and $5 seniors. For reservations email Brina.Burden@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

University education under way

2011-08-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

The Rotary Club of Apia, Samoa in association with the Rotary Clubs of Pencarrow, Eastern Hutt and Wellington North have donated four scholarships valued at $3,000 each that will enable financially struggling students to enter the Foundation Year Programme at the National Univerity of Samoa.

Brrrrrr !!!!

2011-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

As if the good people of Christchurch had not already enough. Here are some pictures from the recent Antarctic blast.

Projecting in the Pacific - tell us about it!

2011-08-03T19:05:00.000-07:00

Rotary clubs from the six New Zealand-based districts often have projects in the Pacific that make a massive difference to the lives of many ... but are you telling your stories and doing your project, sponsors and beneficiaries justice? Remember that a well publicised project is in fact establishing your credibility for the next project, whenever that may be.

So send us a few lines or a full article or even just a "heads-up" that the project is happening and we can provide some guidance about promoting your project. Don't forget the close up, action pictures to bring everything to life making it so very meaningful. Do this by emailing berylrobinson@rotarydownunder.co.nz especially if:

you are a SW Pacific Islands club with a project
you are a club supporting a Rotary project in the SW Pacific (with or without partnering a SW Pacific Island club)
are a district World Community Service Committee who have become aware of a project in the SW Pacific - let us know and we will take it from there
are a Rotary Foundation Committee who have become aware of a project in the SW Pacific - maybe you have been approached by a club for a Grant (DDF or Matching) - let us know and ask them as part of their receiving a grant to undertake good publicity of the project including an article for Rotary Down Under
there are many SW Pacific projects supported by clubs from around the world so these clubs, whether from Canada, USA, Europe and afar, can also send us publicity.

NB: the SW Pacific are the Pacific islands/nations of Rotary Zones 7B & 8 - go to page 4 of any Rotary Down Under magazine for a map (or page 4 of the on-line magazine at http://www.rotarydownunder.org/ )

Rotary Programme Promotes International Goodwill

2011-08-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Mark Graham, Past President, Pukekohe Club, and Funeral Director has just returned from leading a wonderful Rotary Foundation sponsored exchange to Texas, USA.

Mark led a group of five non-Rotarian adults from within Rotary District 9920 on a Group Study Exchange (GSE) to the Fort Worth – Dallas area of North Texas . The exchange took place between 9^th April and 8^th May. Making up the team were Sarah Miskell, a Chartered Accountant and Director of Campbell Tyson Cooper White, Pukekohe, Len Casey, a Police Constable from Ellerslie, Susan Wharerimu, a PE and Health Teacher from Tuakau College and Sarah Tuki, a Clinical Dietician with the Waitemata District Health Board.

En route to Texas, the team enjoyed
a few days taking in the bright lights and endless Hotel/Casinos on the Las Vegas Strip as well as a trip out to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon. This was a great opportunity for team bonding and set us up well for the experience ahead.( This part was funded personally)

During the exchange they were hosted by a number of Rotary Clubs within Rotary District 5790. Staying with Rotary members and their families enabled us to be fully immersed in the local way of life and culture of the area. Fort Worth is a city of approx. 740000 people, known as “the city of cowboys and culture” and was once called Cowtown because of its location on the legendary Chisholm Trail where millions of Texas longhorn cattle made the long march to Kansas in the late 19^th century.

Today it is a vibrant, bustling city where Art Deco style buildings mix with modern glass skyscrapers, with a number of impressive Museums and Art Galleries, beautiful Botanic Gardens, Universities and Colleges, the Trinity River Trails, along with the tourist district of the old Fort Worth Stockyards, which include the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the National Cowgirl Musuem, Billy Bobs ( the world’s largest indoor Honky Tonk which can accommodate 6000 people for country and western performances, line dancing shows, and indoor live bull riding events), the huge old livestock exchange where thousands of head of cattle and pigs were once traded, and the Grand old Stockyards Hotel where Bonnie and Clyde once holed up in.

The local hosts were absolutely wonderful and although the organized schedule was rather full on, day in day out, we all made the most of our opportunity to take in different aspects of life in Texas.

We had the privilege of visiting a number of places only because of the doors being opened by Rotarians and their contacts. We visited Elementary Schools, High Schools, University Campus, Prisons, City Halls, Hospitals, Senior Citzens Centres, Christian Community Action, the board rooms of major corporations, US Air and Army bases, and a GM vehicle assembly plant to name some.

We also attended an NBA Basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Hornets and a baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays. Although the NFL Football season was over we had an amazing tour of the Dallas Cowboys Football Stadium where last year’s Super bowl final was played and even got to do the haka on the halfway line! All these events made possible by the contacts and generosity of local Club Members.

The GSE team also attended a large number of Rotary meetings and social functions during the exchange where they promoted New Zealand as a great country to visit and shared differences in their vocations and family life in NZ and Texas. Many wonderful friendships and contacts were established with the locals who were so generous and hospitable and keen to know about life in New Zealand. The exchange concluded with the team attending the Rotary District 5790 Annual Conference which was themed “Honoring those who Serve”.

A piece of the World Trade Centre was on display and a keynote speaker gave a very moving account of co-ordinating the hundreds of New York Rotarians who volunteered to help during the clean up after the tragedy of 11 Sept. 2011.

We are now presenting to the Clubs within District 9920 to share our wonderful experiences, photos and memorabilia and to thank them for the tremendous opportunity to be ambassadors for Rotary International, New Zealand and our vocations.

Most of the team was able to extend their travels in the USA after the exchange which also gave them a look at some of the other States and compare the lifestyles, culture and attractions with Texas. But as they say, ya’ll know that everything’s bigger in Texas!!

Remembering those affected by the Samoan Tsunami

2011-07-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Rotary members with represenatives of Hawaiian Airlines

Jacqueline Young, Vice President for the Rotary Club of Pago Pago stated in her remarks at the opening of the picnic shelters that "Our Theme for this year is 'Reach within to Embrace Humanity' and noted that [when] "Rotary International President Banerjee was here for the ground-breaking ceremony" he "emphasized the need to strengthen our families, the need to continue to do what we do best, and the need to change whatever needs to be changed."

"Today we have added some change to the Lyon's Park and some cheer to our families and friends". She further stated that "The picnic shelters are here in remembrance of those that were affected by the tsunami and the Picnic Shelters are here for all of Samoa to use and enjoy." The shelters are a joint project between the Rotary Club of Pago Pago and Hawaiian Airlines

http://www.pagopago.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Submitted by: AG Mousie Skews